Jamie Carragher believes that Erik ten Hag is deliberately "blanking" Cristiano Ronaldo after snubbing the superstar until the final seven minutes of Manchester United's win over Liverpool.
Ronaldo had started the Red Devils' humiliating defeat at Brentford last week, but was dropped for the visit of Jurgen Klopp's side on Monday. Instead, Marcus Rashford was picked to play in the central role at Old Trafford for the crunch clash.
It proved to be the right decision though, with United heading into half-time leading thanks to Jadon Sancho's goal. Ten Hag then opted to make a change at the break, but rather than Ronaldo, it was Anthony Martial who came on for Anthony Elanga.
That led to Carragher pointing out his theory that Ronaldo is being ignore by Ten Hag. The former Liverpool star told Sky Sports: "I mean with Martial coming on it’s obvious Erik ten Hag has blanked Ronaldo there hasn’t he."
Ten Hag's decision to snub him once again paid off, with Martial playing well as United secured the three points. Rashford moved to a position on the left-wing after Martial was introduced, with the Englishman scoring United's second goal, after fine work from United's No.9.
When it was revealed before the game that Ronaldo had been dropped to the bench, Carragher also cast doubt on his future at the club. The Reds icon believes Ronaldo could be on his way if United add more signings.
"I think Ronaldo, the manager has an opportunity with players back to say no I want you on the bench. If I’m being honest, I’m not sure the manager wants Ronaldo around the place, he had to play him last week because it was so poor against Brighton. As soon as he’s got options he’s put him on the bench and in two weeks I think Ronaldo will move on," he said.
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Ten Hag did insisted that Ronaldo still had a role to play at United, despite being left on the bench for their biggest game so far this season. The Portugal captain will be hoping to start on Saturday when United travel to Southampton, with Ten Hag making it clear the decision to drop him was tactical.
"You see where can you have weapons in the game, we play on speed in front that’s quite clear. With Eriksen and Fernandes in midfield we can give a pass," the United boss told Sky Sports.
"Together with McTominay he also played a magnificent game then you can hurt the opponent. We can do it in possession, building, but in transition. Personally it’s always difficult but I have decisions to make.
"One I will say we have a squad and we need to use the squad, we play 50-60 games so from game to game we will see what we have to pick. I don’t have to mention Maguire or Ronaldo I have players and they will play in the future and short future."
