Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has made the shocking admission that he didn't bring Cristiano Ronaldo on during the Manchester derby "out of respect".
The 37-year-old was an unused substitute during United's 6-3 defeat at the Etihad, with television cameras often cutting to the forward to get a shot of him looking increasingly frustrated as the Manchester City goals flew in. Hat-tricks from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden highlighted the gulf in quality between the two teams despite a late brace from Anthony Martial that may have spared some blushes.
After the game, Ten Hag was asked why he chose not to introduce five-time Ballon d'Or winner into proceedings. His response was eye-opening, as the United manager conceded he chose to keep Ronaldo on the bench "out of respect for his big career."
