It was the day when Erik ten Hag’s definition of respect was questioned, along with his tactics. Four-one down in a Manchester derby, he chose not to introduce the record scorer in footballing history. “I wouldn’t bring him in out of respect for Cristiano,” he said and, as Manchester City’s advantage extended to 6-1 before Anthony Martial, the striker substitute he did call upon, scored twice, few credited him with a successful switch.
If it was one of a series of controversies around Cristiano Ronaldo that Ten Hag had to navigate with a blend of diplomacy, toughness and principle, it came at a precarious point in his reign at Old Trafford.
