Pundit reveals more woe for Cristiano Ronaldo as back-seat role beckons at Man Utd again

Alan Hutton is certain that Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be left out of the Manchester United starting XI against Southampton this coming Saturday.

The 37-year-old was benched for the Red Devils’ impressive win over Liverpool in the Monday Night Football and only came on as a substitute in the final moments of the match at Old Trafford.

Having missed much of pre-season due to family matters, Ronaldo has only started one game for United – the 4-0 debacle at Brentford.

Erik ten Hag then opted to go with a more mobile frontline to press Liverpool’s defence at Old Trafford.

That ploy worked as United eventually ran out 2-1 winners, with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford both on target.

There have since been rumours of a move to Marseille for Ronaldo, but they were quickly put to bed.

And when asked by Football Insider if he thinks Ronaldo will be on the bench against Saints, Hutton said: “I think so.

“It’s hard to say, he’s one of the icons of the sport. He’s been one of the best players for 10 plus years so to see him not playing is a bit strange.

Ten Hag intensity not good for Ronaldo

“The way Erik ten Hag wants to play, the intensity, closing down from the front, everybody running, working hard, it doesn’t quite suit Ronaldo and where he’s at at this moment in time in his career.

“I think he will have to take a back seat. Of course he can come on, do his cameos, he’ll score goals but I don’t see him, at this moment in time, fitting into the way Ten Hag wants to play his football.”

Ronaldo’s future continues to be up for debate, as United try and strengthen their forward line.

Ajax attacker Antony remains Ten Hag’s top target, with a five-year deal said to have been agreed.

However, Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio is also on United’s radar, with a bid said to be incoming to the Spanish giants.

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