Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called Erik Ten Hag “almost disrespectful” for allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to play in the Europa League over the Manchester derby.
The Red Devil boss said he kept the CR7 on against Manchester City this weekend “to pay homage to his career”.
However, the Red Devils boss said he did not have CR7 on the pitch at the weekend against Manchester City out of “respect for his career”.
And Scholes, 47, feels Ronaldo’s appearance against the Cypriot side hurt his image more than his use at the Etihad.
“I think it would be almost disrespectful to play him in the Europa League on Thursday night,” he told BT Sport. “This person is a superstar in the world.”
“I’m not telling you to start at 37, but it’s a difficult tournament to motivate.
“But that’s what happens when you’re a big player at a big club like this.
“Now he has to change his mentality. He is mentally strong and will score two goals and be in the weekend squad.”
Ronaldo has almost given up on playing in the Europa League this season.
The 37-year-old started just once in the Premier League this season, but has started in all three games in Europe.
United started off one point behind the side, who are currently fourth in the Cypriot top-flight.
A mistake by Tyrrell Marasia allowed Omonia to counterattack, and the goal was scored in haste.
Ten Hag responded with the introduction of Marcus Rashford at half-time and leveled the score just eight minutes after the introduction.
Then Anthony Martial was brought in, narrowing the playing field even further.
After just two minutes on the field, they made it 2–1 and made it to the Red Devils.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, had a shot from close range that bounced off the post and shook the empty net to make it 3–1.
It looked like he was going to score, but Rashford missed Ronaldo’s easy chance.
This meant he was looking forward to reaching his 700th goal for the club.
Omonia scored one goal but United went on to win.
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