Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer believes Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made the decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo out of his starting line-up against Tottenham Hotspur because of his troubles in pressing.
Ronaldo, who has scored more career goals against Tottenham than any other English club, was dropped to the bench against Antonio Conte's side. Marcus Rashford, who started Sunday's goalless draw with Newcastle on the bench, was preferred in attack.
Ronaldo has started just twice in the Premier League so far this season and has scored just once, that being the winner in the 2-1 win over Everton just over a week ago. He stepped off the bench that evening to replace the injured Anthony Martial.
And for former England man Shearer, he can understand why Ten Hag made the decision to start the five-time Ballon d'Or winner on the bench, admitting that he doubts whether 37-year-old Ronaldo can press in a way that the Dutchman wants his team to.
"I don't think you will ever get the truth out of a manager, in terms of what he is actually feeling, because he is going to get the questions whether he likes them or not," Shearer told Amazon Prime. "That is because of who Ronaldo is and what he is; he is an absolute superstar.
"He has been one of, if not the best player we have ever seen, which means that will continue to happen. But before time catches up with him... he's 38 next year, so logic tells you he cannot keep doing for so many years.
"He can't press in the way that the manager wants him to press. If he puts him on the pitch [from the bench], yes, he will score goals, but you also have to understand the fact that he is not going to be the guy, at that age, who is going to be pressing every single minute of the game. That is how the manager wants to play."
NFK97
0
You don't yet know anything. Check well again.
Hope you know better
ciupruyz
0
then why didn't he allowed to leave last tranfer window
Which team was willing to match Ronaldo’s wage bills Just name one
Ezzy7662
1
Uhmm! please can someone help me ask ETH to plainly explain to me which method he use that convince Huntelaar perform during his coaching days at Ajax?
RahmanJago1
0
No club was interested in getting him not utd who refused to let go
You don't yet know anything. Check well again.
Cuoabrstz
1
pressing is not the game put him on the pitch and he will score goals
siycmnuyz
1
put the ball in cr7 feet then you wil see.Manchester United will drown
rattyponcho
1
This man is not serious you kept on saying he's in your plan and he's not for sell mean while you know you don't like him and you didn't allow him to leave
Madacdeilo
0
get your team and give him
Redkloy
0
What press. He is going to be flop overrated coach. Sancho press? Rashford press? clearly he doesn't like Ronaldo. But the truth is Erik is nothing in front of CR7.
this manager is doing a great job Ronaldo is just a player he is not above the institution he is old let him retired
Tony1000
0
Erik ten hag is a motherfucker
Lol guy cr7 na hero but the coach hey reason y e beach am ooooo games many
Redkloy
0
How can you play Sancho and fred while Ronaldo on bench. He is stupid coach i ever seen
my friend i understand your feelings your problem is Ronaldo you don't care about the team, but let me remind you no player is above the club
mezacpsuyz
3
Erik ten hag is a motherfucker
NFK97
0
if the style does Nt fit Cr, den y Nt eth let him go, he asked to leave n u denied him a chance to, then y
No club was interested in getting him not utd who refused to let go
juwdelmnz
3
Ronaldo is old and can hardly deliver. he should retire
teeelnrsy
1
How can you play Sancho and fred while Ronaldo on bench. He is stupid coach i ever seen
u cow... that is why I dislike CR7 supporters cause if are a united fan then am disappointed
Kuzdelostz
0
How can you play Sancho and fred while Ronaldo on bench. He is stupid coach i ever seen
what did u say again?
Socdeknp
0
So we should loose gamed because of his records??
tbh he pmay better than rashford.....what is rashford doing there rather than sprinting,watch the game kids don't just watch highlights
woheikmpt
1
pressing is not the game
banaenrsty
1
when you loose game without Ronaldo you blame coach why he didn't play him when you win you talk bad against Ronald
mepaeknop
3
How can you play Sancho and fred while Ronaldo on bench. He is stupid coach i ever seen
03Jay
1
Ronaldo is old and done guys you need to understand one thing. The coach can't envy a player what for?
Kingbobbyfemie20
5
Haaland does not press more than CR7, stop saying trash.
Socdeknp
0
you are right legend.. Not that Ronaldo is not good again but the style of play of the manager is not for his age. @37 it would be difficult to press so he just need to accept it like that. there are games Ronaldo will fit in well.
he's a Messi fans that all
Socdeknp
0
you are right legend.. Not that Ronaldo is not good again but the style of play of the manager is not for his age. @37 it would be difficult to press so he just need to accept it like that. there are games Ronaldo will fit in well.
then why didn't he allowed to leave last tranfer window
Cutbdeprst
2
if the style does Nt fit Cr, den y Nt eth let him go, he asked to leave n u denied him a chance to, then y
banaenrsty
3
his just jealous of Rinaldo that's all
speciebaba
0
I am a big fan of Manchester United but certainly it is a big disrespect to the absolute legend of the club,,,he asked to leave in summer but ETH refused to sell now not giving him enough minutes to play is a total DISRESPECT to Ronaldo,,,hope he finds a new club in January
am a big fan of Ronaldo. not that Eric don't let him go but no suitor for Ronaldo and he was not available for preseason so what else did you want the boss to say about Ronaldo
Vatabcemsy
1
records dont win games players do and team is important no one is bigger than the club poogba use to think so a
speciebaba
0
you are right legend.. Not that Ronaldo is not good again but the style of play of the manager is not for his age. @37 it would be difficult to press so he just need to accept it like that. there are games Ronaldo will fit in well.
Yubbcmnz
0
I am a big fan of Manchester United but certainly it is a big disrespect to the absolute legend of the club,,,he asked to leave in summer but ETH refused to sell now not giving him enough minutes to play is a total DISRESPECT to Ronaldo,,,hope he finds a new club in January
Jolars
1
What press. He is going to be flop overrated coach. Sancho press? Rashford press? clearly he doesn't like Ronaldo. But the truth is Erik is nothing in front of CR7.
you just speak trash...
kadbdost
0
no convince your papa perez to sign ronaldo
and you stop worrying about Ronaldo and Real Madrid, go worry about your own f*cking club.
vimabdmorz
1
Ronaldo days are numbered. He have to accept the facts that age is catching up with him. He can score goals one or 2 that doesn't mean he's back.
rezruz
1
Save yr comments for after the game.. currently 2-0 up, Ten Hag best game of season..
emykings
1
What press. He is going to be flop overrated coach. Sancho press? Rashford press? clearly he doesn't like Ronaldo. But the truth is Erik is nothing in front of CR7.
you know nothing about football clown Man U needs immense pressing, just look at the result, those guys u mentioned are doing well under Ten Hag
nehekmopr
1
Its so pathetic to see the G O A T being ill-treated .I think if this continues Ten Hag should be sacked
no convince your papa perez to sign ronaldo
AMCrules
1
and if that how the manager want to play is seriously unfair to Ronaldo and lack of respect for his record on a transparent level that am saying this. unlike messi that have other people to do the marking and lot more though he contribute to goalies but Ronaldo mke the goalies so ETH need to rethink his decision on Ronaldo
So we should loose gamed because of his records??
AMCrules
1
What press. He is going to be flop overrated coach. Sancho press? Rashford press? clearly he doesn't like Ronaldo. But the truth is Erik is nothing in front of CR7.
They are winning 2-0 cry
SURFASASFUC
2
absolutely one of the best, after the GOAT!
fatbikorst
3
What press. He is going to be flop overrated coach. Sancho press? Rashford press? clearly he doesn't like Ronaldo. But the truth is Erik is nothing in front of CR7.
bambcdikny
2
Ronaldo is not man utd, he is of course a legend but not bigger than the club. How many goals as he scored when he was used? The manager is there to make these decisions and right now, they are right ones. Go and learn to understand football and successful management
zooaiopy
0
and if that how the manager want to play is seriously unfair to Ronaldo and lack of respect for his record on a transparent level that am saying this. unlike messi that have other people to do the marking and lot more though he contribute to goalies but Ronaldo mke the goalies so ETH need to rethink his decision on Ronaldo
he is old he shdnt be playing ,90minutes
Simpler02
4
Its so pathetic to see the G O A T being ill-treated .I think if this continues Ten Hag should be sacked
Hohaklnsuz
2
and if that how the manager want to play is seriously unfair to Ronaldo and lack of respect for his record on a transparent level that am saying this. unlike messi that have other people to do the marking and lot more though he contribute to goalies but Ronaldo mke the goalies so ETH need to rethink his decision on Ronaldo