Ex-Premier League striker Darren Bent has questioned whether or not there’s a place for Cristiano Ronaldo in Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United aspect.
The Portugal sensation, 37, was an 86th-minute substitute because the Purple Devils delivered the primary win of the Ten Hag period with a stunning 2-1 triumph over Liverpool.
It got here after a 4-0 hammering at Brentford the earlier week – which noticed Ronaldo play 90 minutes – and United had been notably extra energetic at Previous Trafford on Monday night time.
Ten Hag began with a cellular entrance three of Anthony Elanga, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – with Anthony Martial getting into the fray at half-time.
All 4 delivered a aim or an help and Bent prompt Ronaldo may need to get used to sitting on the bench at United.
The legendary goalscorer was the Purple Devils’ most prolific participant final season, however some have questioned his effectiveness out of possession in a Premier League obsessive about urgent.
Bent informed talkSPORT: “There have been notable standout performers, the 2 centre halves [Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez] defended effectively, the entrance three. And I get it – lots of people say, ‘How are you going to not play Ronaldo on this workforce?’
“I believe if [Erik] ten Hag desires to play that high-energy, high-pressing, all-guns-blazing [style], sadly you may’t play Ronaldo. That’s no slight on Ronaldo, you’re speaking about one of many biggest gamers you’ve ever seen.
“But in that system… he’s 37 years old. Look at the energy of [Anthony] Elanga, [Marcus] Rashford. That’s when Rashford is at his best. Stop trying to complicate it by dropping off and trying to show everyone you’re a good player, by linking play…
“No. His best attribute is his pace. When he starts running in behind regularly, he gives defenders nightmares. For his goal [against Liverpool], fantastic finish, composure, that’s where he was at his best.”
It is no secret Ronaldo wants to leave Old Trafford this summer, but no suitable Champions League clubs have jumped at the opportunity to sign him.
His glittering career as the greatest goalscorer in history appears to be at a crossroads with less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window.
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