Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes manager Erik ten Hag has again disrespected forward Cristiano Ronaldo by starting him against Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League on Thursday in Cyprus.
Following Sunday’s 6-3 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League derby, Ronaldo was one of three changes to the starting lineup. Ronaldo previously scored the second goal in Man United’s 2-0 Europa League victory over Sheriff Tiraspol.
Along with Victor Lindelof and Casemiro, the Portugal captain was added back to the squad.
Ten Hag did not call on Ronaldo at the weekend, despite Man United being 4-0 down at halftime against Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium.
Ten Hag used all five of his allotted substitutions but opted to overlook the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
And Scholes believes Ten Hag has even further disrespected Ronaldo by starting him against Omonia.
“I think it is almost more disrespectful playing him on a Thursday night in the Europa League,” Scholes told BT Sport. “This man is a world superstar.
“I am not saying at 37 years of age, he should be starting the games, the big games especially, but this is a competition that is hard to get yourself motivated for. I don’t like saying that, but it’s true when you are a big player at a big club like this.
“He has to change his mentality now, and because he is so strong mentally, it will be to score two goals and get himself in the team for the weekend [at Everton].”
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