Cristiano Ronaldo faces extended spell on Man United sidelines after development – pundit
Alan Hutton has claimed Cristiano Ronaldo will be left out of the Man United starting XI against Southampton on Saturday (27 August).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender suggested Ronaldo doesn’t have a place in the starting lineup “at this moment in time”.
The 37-year-old was on the bench for the Red Devils’ 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Monday (22 August).
The striker was subbed on in place of Marcus Rashford for the final four minutes of the match.
The Portugal international has started one game for Erik ten Hag’s side so far this season.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano (25 August), Olympique Marseille are not in negotiations to sign the forward.
When asked if Ronaldo could be on the bench at the weekend, Hutton told Football Insider: “I think so.
“It’s hard to say, he’s one of the icons of the sport. He’s been one of the best players for ten plus years so to see him not playing is a bit strange.
“The way Erik ten Hag wants to play, the intensity, closing down from the front, everybody running, working hard, it doesn’t quite suit Ronaldo and where he’s at at this moment in time in his career.
“I think he will have to take a back seat. Of course he can come on, do his cameos, he’ll score goals but I don’t see him, at this moment in time, fitting into the way Ten Hag wants to play his football.“
In other news, a pundit has backed Harry Maguire and Man United star teammate to complete exits after development.