The real reason why Cristiano Ronaldo is a substitute at Manchester United

Manchester United managed to take an incredible step forward in recent weeks with victories against Liverpool and Southampton. Although it is true that their level was not the highest in the league, they managed to take very valuable points at the start of the season. However, one of the recurring issues in these matches was the situation of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese player did not perform the entire preseason with his teammates because he was dealing with a possible departure from the club, since his desire was to join a team that plays in the Champions League. Despite the incessant efforts from his agent Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo and his camp did not find any team interested in signing him.

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Ronaldo did not show a great level when he had the opportunity and Erik Ten Hag decided to dispense with the striker to give him time to recover his best physical condition. Although it is true that he got minutes coming in from the bench, Ronaldo seems affected by this as he is not used to having a role as a substitute.

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The reality is that Ten Hag found a good combination in attack with the inclusion of Marcus Rashford, who as of now, has the task of being the team’s striker. The Englishman not only has a great willingness to press the opponent's exit, but he is also a great finisher. At the same time, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga can press almost all the time, something that Cristiano Ronaldo's physical condition no longer allows him to do.