Erik ten Hag Gives His Take on Cristiano Ronaldo's Performance Against Omonia Nicosia

• Ten Hag applauded Cristiano Ronaldo for the impact he had in Manchester United’s win over Omonia Nicosia
• Ronaldo did everything but find the net as United came from a goal down, to secure a 3-2 victory on Thursday
• The Portuguese superstar only has one goal across all competitions so far this season

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag was quick to point out the importance of Cristiano Ronaldo during his side’s clash against Cyprus outfit Omonia Nicosia on Thursday, October 6.

Ronaldo has come under increasing pressure to rediscover his spark, with only one goal to his name so far this season.

Against the Cypriot side, the 37-year old had nine attempts at goal, including an effort that hit the post, but the ball simply would not go in for him.

Substitute Marcus Rashford, who was benched for the game so Ronaldo could start, came on to score twice, with Ronaldo assisting in one of the goals.

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Anthony Martial was another player who started on the bench but somehow found the net.

Speaking after the game, ten Hag assessed Ronaldo’s impact in the game, saying as quoted on Manchester Evening News:

"I think they were on target as well,"

"The first two, good saves from the goalie, so he had a couple of chances, he created a couple of chances.

"He was involved with a good run with the first goal for Marcus Rashford, so he had an impact in this game.

Ronaldo’s dry spell

The last time Ronaldo scored a goal from open play was in April 2022, when he bagged the equaliser in Manchester United’s game against Chelsea.

His worrying dip in form suggests he is not guaranteed to start in United’s next game, a tricky fixture against Everton on Sunday, October 9.

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Ten Hag accused of disrespecting Ronaldo again

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported of how Manchester United legend Paul Scholes feels it was disrespectful for ten Hag to snub Ronaldo for the Manchester derby, then start him in the Europa League.

According to Scholes, Ronaldo is a 'world star' who should have played against Man City rather than being saved for Thursday night football.

"I think it is almost more disrespectful playing him on a Thursday night in the Europa League. This man is a world superstar," Scholes told BT Sport.