Patrice Evra believes Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag should have a deep conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has stated that Erik Ten Hag should have an honest discussion with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Erik Ten Hag has moved the Portuguese star back to the bench in favour of Marcus Rashford following their 4-0 defeat to Brentford.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who was moved from Juventus to Manchester United last summer was the club’s highest goal scorer last season.
The former Real Madrid star is not use to start games from the bench but did so against Leicester City and Arsenal, though Ronaldo started the two games in the Europa League.
Evra was Ronaldo’s teammate for three years at Old Trafford, winning the three Premier League titles and the Champions League together in 2008 and the Frenchman believes that more dialogue is needed between Ronaldo and Ten Hag.
“With those big decisions Ten Hag sent massive shockwaves,” Evra told Betfair. “Ronaldo has made several appearances from the bench since losing his starting spot, but United have gone unbeaten in the league without the veteran in the starting XI.
“Let’s be clear, to put Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench is a massive statement, because Cristiano Ronaldo will think it’s not fair, last year he scored like 18 goals, so in his head he will be like ‘why am I on the bench?’ He’s right, but you have a manager and you have to respect his decision.”
While Evra admits he understands the position of both player and manager in the current situation, the Frenchman still believes United will need to call on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to aid their quest for honours this season.
“I understand the frustration of Cristiano Ronaldo, but also Ten Hag was like ‘I’m going to start a new era, Ronaldo is still in my plan,’ and I’m sure Cristiano Ronaldo is in his plan,” said Evra.
“Maybe, United need to suffer right now and they will need other players, but you will always need Cristiano Ronaldo, trust me, there will be a moment when we say thanks Cristiano, please stay, I’m convinced about that.
“I think Ten Hag and Ronaldo need to, if they haven’t already, have an honest discussion. Everything that is happening right now is logic.”
Manchester United next game will be against their neighbor Manchester City in the Premier League.
