It was disrespectful to bring Cristiano Ronaldo on against Manchester City, Erik ten Hag had controversially argued. When level against Everton, when Anthony Martial limped off, the Dutchman deemed it acceptable to introduce the demoted great. It soon look inspired. As he has done time and again in a career that has defied credibility, Ronaldo brought up a milestone. A 700th goal for his clubs ended Everton’s six-game unbeaten run.
If it was an eloquent response from Ronaldo, after Ten Hag said this week that he was “pissed off” he was on the bench, and he looked altogether more fulfilled on the pitch, it was a fine reaction from Manchester United, both to trailing and to their 6-3 derby humiliation. They showed a dominance they have rarely displayed on the road in 2022, peppering Everton’s goal. A clinical touch came courtesy of a man who has found the net more often than anyone else in footballing history, as well as a player who has cost more than most others, if not Ronaldo.
