Manchester United legend and fan favorite Patrice Evra has urged manager Erik ten Hag to have clear talks with Cristiano Ronaldo about his role in the first team.
Evra told Betfair via The Mirror that Ten Hag’s decision to put Ronaldo and Harry Maguire on the bench is a big statement from the Dutchman’s point of view.
The 37-year-old has had to deal with a supporting role so far this season, with Ten Hag preferring to deploy him primarily from the bench.
He has only started one league game, 4-0 against Brentford, and has only scored once against Sheriff in United’s Europa League victory in Moldova. United have remained unbeaten each time the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has not started.
Evra said: “With those big decisions, Ten Hag sent out massive shock waves.”
“Let’s be clear, putting Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench is a huge statement because Cristiano Ronaldo will think it’s not fair.”
“Last year he scored like 18 goals, so in his head he’ll be like ‘why am I on the bench?’ He is right, but you have a coach and you have to respect his decision.”
However, the former United defender insisted that while Ronaldo may be frustrated, which he understands, he was confident his former teammate would still play a big part in United’s season.
Evra added that at crucial moments Ronaldo would probably be the man to rescue them, as he did on multiple occasions last season.
“Perhaps United need to suffer at the moment and they will need other players, but you will always need Cristiano Ronaldo, believe me, there will be a time when we say thank you Cristiano please stay, I am convinced of that.”
Ronaldo, who is currently on international duty, will be looking to use his career with Portugal as a springboard to launch himself back into the starting eleven.
However, if Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were fit in time for the Manchester derby, it would be difficult to see where the Portuguese would fit into the squad. Most likely he has to do with another role at the bank.
