Former Arsenal and England midfielder Paul Merson believes Erik ten Hag has been given the perfect opportunity to banish Cristiano Ronaldo from his Manchester United plans moving forward.
The Portugal international, who returned to Old Trafford from Juventus a little over a year ago, refused to come off the bench during Wednesday night's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, headed down the tunnel back to the dressing room and left the stadium before his teammates had even returned after the full-time whistle. United, on Thursday, issued a statement to confirm that the 37-year-old would be left out of the squad for Saturday's trip to Chelsea.
Ronaldo reported to the club's Carrington training base on Friday morning and was forced to train on his own away from the first-team squad, meaning Ten Hag has made an example of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who was determined to leave United during the summer. He has started just twice in the Premier League so far this season, suggesting that the Dutchman does not consider him a key part of his plans.
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Ten Hag, speaking during his press conference on Friday, confirmed that Ronaldo still has a part to play at the club, despite his actions against Tottenham. However, Merson, casting an eye over the former Ajax boss' reluctance to pick Ronaldo so far this season, believes he has a perfect chance to erase him from his plans.
Merson, speaking to Sky Sports, said: "He has shot himself in the foot now, hasn't he, Ronaldo? He [Ten Hag] was under pressure to play Ronaldo and he doesn't want to play him in the team.
"He came on against Everton and scored a great goal and then didn't play. He doesn't want him in the team and now that has been taken all away and he has the easiest job in the world now."
Although Ronaldo has been punished for his actions against Spurs, he remains United's most senior out-and-out striker, meaning he could be required before the January transfer window arrives and the Reds have the chance to add to their forward line. Merson, though, believes his opportunities will only be forthcoming in the Europa League.
Asked when Ronaldo could play for United, Merson continued: "On Thursday nights he will be [playing]. He won't be happy with that but Ten Hag won't care. He will play against Sheriff.
"This is a bit of an Arteta situation; he had a problem with [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and Ten Hag now has one with Ronaldo.
"In that dressing room after the game, there would have been a feel-good factor after Man United had played great and all of the players would have been in the dressing room going 'what is going to happen? What do you reckon will happen?'.
"He has set an example, Ten Hag, and all of the young lads will be sitting there going 'wow, he has just done that to Cristiano Ronaldo'. It will send an unbelievable message to them."
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