Cristiano Ronaldo praised his teammates for their outstanding performances against Liverpool on Monday, as Manchester United pulled off a surprising 2-1 win at Old Trafford.
But the 37-year-old didn't have much of a role to play himself, as new manager Erik ten Hag made the bold decision to drop him to the bench and opt for a more flexible forward line including Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford. It proved to be an inspired call as the pair got on the scoresheet and Ronaldo only made a late cameo after being introduced as an 86th-minute substitute, when the Red Devils were desperately clinging onto their slender lead and surrendered possession.
"Well done @manchesterunited," the United legend wrote on Instagram post-match. "Thank you for your support Old Trafford." His brief message came after Ten Hag laid down the gauntlet and challenged Ronaldo to adapt to the high-pressing system which worked a treat against their old foes.
