Why Erik ten Hag did not bring on Ronaldo in Man United’s heavy loss to Man City

“I wouldn’t bring him in because we are 4-1 down. Out of respect for Cristiano, for his big career,” said the Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after the 6-3 defeat to Manchester City

So complete was the humiliation of Erik ten Hag’s first Manchester derby that he chose to protect Cristiano Ronaldo from enduring the shame of being associated with such a performance.

A 6-3 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday flattered United, with substitute Anthony Martial firing twice late on to add a modicum of respectability to the score.

But it could not disguise the total dominance of Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions, or Erling Haaland’s status as arguably the most fearsome forward in world football.

What a contrast between the Norwegian — who scored his third hat-trick of the season — and Ronaldo, who watched on from the sidelines.

Ten Hag was scathing in his criticism of his team and revealed he opted against bringing on his 37-year-old striker in order to protect the player’s reputation.

“I wouldn’t bring him in because we are 4-1 down,” said the United manager. “Out of respect for Cristiano, for his big career.”

Ten Hag made no attempt to protect his other players, who were 4-0 down at halftime and trailing 6-1 before Martial’s late double, with Phil Foden also hitting a hat trick.