Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo ‘won’t be able to accept’ his role as a substitute under Erik Ten Hag, although finding a new side that will fulfil all his desires may be tough, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Red Devils were on the wrong end of a 6-3 drubbing as Manchester City came out on top in their first local derby of the campaign as Ronaldo remained on the bench.
What is the latest on Ronaldo?
Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both scored hat-tricks as Ten Hag’s side were put to the sword at the Etihad, while Antony and Anthony Martial did their best to pull off an unimaginable comeback.
But United’s biggest star did not play in the game, with Ten Hag revealing after full-time he chose not to bring Ronaldo on as a mark of ‘respect’ for his career.
However, club legend Roy Keane disagreed, insisting it was in fact disrespectful not to bring the former Real Madrid star on during that situation.
According to The Telegraph, the Dutchman has changed his stance on the Portuguese’s presence at the club and will now allow him to leave.
The 37-year-old, who is currently valued at £18 million, informed United of his desire to leave in the summer but could not find a suitor, despite his agent Jorge Mendes holding meetings with Chelsea and Napoli.
What has Jones said on the situation?
Jones understands that Ronaldo will be unhappy to continue sitting on the bench, especially with the World Cup on the horizon.
But the journalist adds that finding a new side that will make him a central figure and play in the Champions League will not be easy.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “After that tournament is done, I don't see what desire he can have to sit on the bench or try to hope for some minutes in this Man United team. He has spent his whole life at the top of the game, scoring so many goals and, here we are two months into the season in a World Cup year, and he's got one goal against FC Sheriff.
“It’s just unheard of for him and he won't be able to accept it. He cannot accept that he does not fit into a team. He's one of the greatest players we've ever seen and being a sub just isn't acceptable to him. The next tough task he will have is to find a club that are happy to have him and are happy to play him most weeks but still be able to play at a high level.”
How has Ronaldo performed this season?
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has made six appearances in the Premier League this term but is yet to find the back of the net.
Ronaldo has also started just one of those clashes – a 4-0 defeat to Brentford – and has had to settle for Europa League appearances and cameos otherwise.
Last season saw the veteran return to Old Trafford with a bang, firing in 24 goals in all competitions, but his time appears to be coming to an end.