It happened once more. For the second consecutive game, Cristiano Ronaldothe all-time top scorer in professional football, was left out of Manchester United’s starting XI.
There is no injury, there is no physical inconvenience. The decision, just like once morest Liverpool, was 100% technical and tactical. Erik ten Hag reiterated to BT Sport who draws up his line-ups with the best for the team in mind.
WHY WAS CRISTIANO RONALDO NOT A STARTER AGAINST SOUTHAMPTON?
“As a person it is always a consideration, but as a coach you have to make clear decisions. The team is always the most important. You make the decision that you consider to be advantageous for the team, no matter who it is. In your communication, you must be clear and you must be honest”shared the Dutch coach when asked regarding the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
Against Liverpool, the DT recently arrived at the Old Trafford giant explained that he put Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga as an offensive trident because he considered that they were the best options to press with energy and consistency. And the plan paid off (they won 2-1 and delivered one of his best performances in a while).
Some argue that ‘team that wins repeats’. Well, that is exactly what Erik ten Hag did. It was planted in St. Mary’s Stadium with exactly the same starting XI that imposed conditions in the Classic of England.
Undefeated data. Cristiano Ronaldo has only started 1 of 4 games played in the current Premier League with Manchester United. It was once morest Brentford (4-0). In the rest of the matches, despite being available, he did not start.
Did you know…? Cristiano Ronaldo still does not have his continuity guaranteed at Manchester United 2022/23. The bug I would be looking for a club that plays in the UEFA Champions League. The market ends on September 1.