Erik Ten Hag Gives A Signal Not To Substitute Ronaldo In The Match Against Brighton

JAKARTA - Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has signaled that he will play Cristiano Ronaldo from the first minute in the opening match of the 2022/2023 season.

The Red Devils will host Brighton & Hove Albion in the first week of the Premier League at Old Trafford, Sunday, August 7.

Ronaldo is expected to be a substitute in that match because he left the match against Rayo Vallecano. However, the Dutch coach said it was not Ronaldo who left the match alone.

"Look on Sunday. There were a lot of players who left early [in the game] and the spotlight was on Cristiano. That's not true. Please investigate that," said Ten Hag, quoted by 90min, Friday.

Ronaldo, 37, has been at the center of speculation this summer. He has repeatedly been reported to have asked Manchester United to let him go to a club that is competing in the European Champions League this season.

However, so far no club has shown any interest in signing the former Real Madrid player. Chelsea and Bayern Munich, who have been linked with him, have even dismissed the issue.

Besides wanting to leave, Ronaldo was also seen arguing with Ten Hag in the first round against Vallecano. The incident made many people predict Ronaldo was excluded from the team.

However, the possibility of Ronaldo being on the bench is now starting to shrink following Ten Hag's confession that he is happy to have Ronaldo in his squad.

"I am very happy he is here. We have a top striker. We stick to the plan," said the 52-year-old coach.

In addition, the absence of Anthony Martial from today's match against Brighton due to injury makes Ronaldo's chances of entering the starting eleven even greater. He can be an option to lead the team's attack line.