"Clearly Ten Hag has some agenda", "Show some respect" - Cristiano Ronaldo fans fume as Manchester United superstar is left out of starting XI against Manchester CityΒ
Cristiano Ronaldo has been left on the bench by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for their clash with cross-city rivals Manchester City and fans are not happy.
The Portuguese forward has been relegated to the bench in each of the Red Devils' last four league outings, with the club winning all of those fixtures.
It has been a difficult start to the season for the striker, who has been misfiring for both club and country.
Ronaldo has managed just one goal this season for Manchester United, coming from the penalty spot in a 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the UEFA Europa League.
Ten Hag's decision to continue dropping the forward is polarizing, and the player's fans are enraged by his latest snub.
Meanwhile, David de Gea starts in goal, with a familiar back four of Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia.
All four impressed on international duty this past week, with Dalot particularly shining for the Portuguese national side despite Ronaldo's woes.
The right-back scored a brace against the Czech Republic on September 24 in a 4-0 win.
Ten Hag has chosen Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen in midfield, with Bruno Fernandes in front of those two.
The front three of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony will look to replicate their performances against Arsenal in their last league outing, where United won 3-1 against the league leaders.
Rashford scored a double that day and the English forward is taking Ronaldo's place as Manchester United's main striker.
He has only just recovered from a hamstring injury but starts at the Etihad Stadium.
π₯ In the red corner...
#MUFC || #MCIMUN
There are debates over whether the legendary striker should be on the bench for such a game as the Manchester derby.
Here are some reactions from fans on Twitter who were not best pleased to see Cristiano Ronaldo benched:
@ManUtd Ten hag himself said he couldnβt give Ronaldo a full game due to fitness issues but now he is willing to put rashford straight in the line up after coming back from injury 2 days ago? Okay
@ManUtd β Ronaldo isnβt fit so he canβt start games β
Rashford comes back after injury and gets pushed into the lineup instantly ? Clearly ten hag has an agenda on Ronaldo.
@ManUtd Show some respect π https://t.co/UiMvEtQYPa
@ManUtd No Ronaldo not watching
@ManUtd no ronaldo and casemiro. State of this club picking mctominay and rashford over 5 time CL winners
@ManUtd Ronaldo really made a big mistake coming back here
Manchester United go to battle without Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United will be looking to make a statement against a City side who are in top form under Pep Guardiola.
They will do so without Cristiano Ronaldo and Ten Hag's call over the forward may be one that shapes how the game pans out for his side.
United are currently fifth in the league, winning all four of their last league fixtures whilst losing their opening two games.
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Well done, lads! And a very special thank you to our supporters! ππ½
Letβs go, Devils! πͺπ½ https://t.co/TB2WJRnrQO
Meanwhile, the Cityzens have started the campaign off with five wins and two draws, with them sitting in second.
Guardiola's men will want to continue their unbeaten run and boast one of Europe's most in-form strikers in Erling Haaland.
The Norweigan has had no problem adapting to life in the Premier League, with 11 goals in seven league fixtures.