Pundit can’t believe ‘disrespectful’ Man United latest amid new Cristiano Ronaldo twist
Noel Whelan has claimed Erik ten Hag is “disrespecting” Cristiano Ronaldo as his “staggering” exodus from the Man United side continues.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 37-year-old will be “wondering why” he agreed to return to Old Trafford last summer (2021).
Ronaldo was an unused substitute as Man United fell to a 6-3 derby defeat against Man City on Sunday (2 October).
The former Real Madrid star has started just one of a possible seven Premier League games this season and is yet to open his top-flight account in the new campaign.
According to The Telegraph (3 October), Ronaldo will be allowed to leave Man United in January despite Ten Hag initially wanting to keep the veteran when he arrived in the summer.
As quoted by Sky Sports (2 October), the Dutchman insisted he chose not to bring on Ronaldo against Man City “out of respect” for the career he has had.
Whelan sympathised with the forward, who cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines on Sunday.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “He’s disrespecting Ronaldo at the moment.
“It’s staggering to me that you can keep your top scorer from last season on the bench, someone who can make a difference.
“How there’s not a place for Cristiano Ronaldo, I don’t know. Right now, he must be wondering why he came to the football club.
“If you want to get back into a football match, there’s no better player than Ronaldo to come on and make an impact.
“He’s someone who always rises to big occasions. I can completely understand Ronaldo’s frustrations.”
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