Erik ten Hag rues Man Utd pair as Cristiano Ronaldo furiously reacts
Manchester United drew their first Premier League game of the season as they were held to a goalless stalemate by Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
It was a particularly-frustrating fixture for Cristiano Ronaldo, who did not attempt to mask his bitter disappointment when he was taken off towards the end of the fixture. However, Erik ten Hag justified his decision to make the substitution by citing the non-stop October fixture schedule.
The Dutchman was also left to rue two missed opportunities to grab a late winner against the Magpies, picking out two guilty parties.
Ten Hag picks out duo
Erik ten Hag could not hide his disappointment that Manchester United did not take one of their two late chances to snatch all three points against Newcastle. Fred fired off-target in the closing minutes before Marcus Rashford put his header wide deep into added time.
“The performance was good, a clean sheet, we pressed well, we controlled the game and in stages we were good on the ball – especially in the second half,” Ten Hag told BBC Match of the Day. “Then, we dictated the game and in the end we could – we should – have score the winning goal. One from Fred, and then Rashford had to score.”
Ronaldo’s furious reaction
Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly livid after he was taken off in the 72nd minute of the fixture between Manchester United and Newcastle. The superstar forward, who has only scored once in the Premier League this season, was handed a rare start in the top flight against the Magpies but Erik ten Hag opted to send on Marcus Rashford in his place in search of a breakthrough.
Ronaldo shook his head when he saw the fourth official hold up the board showing his iconic No. 7 and continued to do so as he took his place on the substitutes’ bench. It was a match to forget for the Real Madrid legend, who had the ball in the back of the net twice, with neither goal standing.
Ten Hag explains substitution
Although Cristiano Ronaldo was clearly unhappy to be taken off, Erik ten Hag defended his decision while speaking after the match. The Manchester United manager insisted it is important he keeps his forward options “fresh” as the hectic autumn schedule hits home.
“We have to cover four games in 10 days. I want to keep the strikers fresh. We have to rotate there. Rashy didn’t have energy for the whole game so we have to plan it,” Ten Hag said
