Piers Morgan has branded Erik ten Hag’s decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo against Liverpool as 'one of the dumbest decisions in football history'.
After a dismal start to their Premier League campaign, Ten Hag has decided to make some big changes to his starting eleven for the Liverpool game.
Captain Harry Maguire has been dropped to the bench alongside Luke Shaw as Raphael Varane and summer signing Tyrell Malacia come in.
However, the biggest headline is that Ronaldo has been dropped to the bench, with Anthony Elanga given the opportunity to impress the Dutchman.
Morgan, who is an Arsenal fan, was quick to show his discontent over Ten Hag’s decision.
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He wrote on his Twitter account: “Benching @Cristiano for Elanga against Liverpool, even by current abysmal Manchester United standards, is one of the dumbest decisions in football history. Ten Hag should be fired for this alone if they get hammered tonight.. or should I say WHEN they get hammered.”
Ronaldo has been making the headlines this summer as his future continues to be up in the air.
In July, it was widely reported that the five time Ballon d’Or winner handed in a transfer request after the club endured a torrid 21/22 season which saw the team fail to qualify for the Champions League, and this irked Ronaldo.
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Even at the age of 37, Ronaldo still feels he is capable of challenging for the top honours, and he is eager to cement himself as the Champions League’s highest ever scorer, something he will not be able to do if he stays with the Old Trafford club.
Despite his wishes, United have been adamant from the get go that Ronaldo is not for sale. Ten Hag himself has previously said that he has Ronaldo in his plans.
He said: “We are planning with Ronaldo for this season - that's it. I'm looking forward to working with him.
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“He hasn't told me this. I have read, but as I say, Cristiano is not for sale, he's in our plans and we want to get success together.
“I spoke with him before this issue came up. I had a conversation with him and had a real good talk.”
Many clubs across Europe have been linked with a move for the Portugal legend but nothing has materialised so far. Time is running out and it looks like Ronaldo will have to settle for the Europa League at United.
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Earlier this month, Ronaldo said via an Instagram post that he will 'reveal the truth' in a few weeks' time.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Liverpool
Marcus Chan