Sunday afternoon, Cristiano Ronaldo witnessed a massacre. On the bench as so often this season, the Portuguese saw Manchester United being humiliated by neighbor and rival Manchester City. A 6-3 defeat in which he did not take part because his coach, Erik ten Hag, did not bring him into play. The Dutch technician explained his choice in a press conference after the match.
Ten Hag left him on the bench against City
“I did not bring him in out of respect for his great career”, he confessed to reporters. A justification deemed honest by some. Others saw it as a new lack of respect for the Lusitanian international, who still scored a host of goals last season and during his career. Among the supporters of CR7, we find Roy Keane. The former Man Utd player defended the 37-year-old striker while tackling the residents of Old Trafford.
“I think United are disrespecting Ronaldo. We should have let him go before the end of the transfer window. The manager held him back. Ok, he said he wanted options. But you don’t hold Ronaldo back to sit him on the bench. He is one of the greatest players of all time. He had options (to move this summer, editor’s note). (…) United showed nothing but disrespect to Ronaldo”.
The Dutchman is for a departure
But the story should end in January 2023. In any case, this is the wish of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is counting on a good World Cup to attract clubs competing in the Champions League. This summer, some had also tested the ground, like Chelsea and Atlético, without going all the way. Only Al-Hilal had made a crazy offer. This winter, the situation should change. Especially since the Mancunians have already decided on it.
the Telegram reveals that Erik ten Hag, who had wanted to keep him this summer before accepting a possible departure, informed his management that the door was already wide open for CR7 in the winter transfer window 2023. The Dutchman will not be a obstacle to his departure if a good offer arrives. Good news for CR7 and his agent Jorge Mendes, who will be able to work on this file. Some observers also see Chelsea going on the offensive, especially since Todd Boehly wanted it this summer but Thomas Tuchel had refused. But the German is gone and MU are open to a departure. All lights are green for CR7.