Posted: 13:04, August 7, 2022 |  Updated: 13:56, August 7, 2022  

Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the bench for Manchester United in Erik ten Hag’s first competitive game in charge. The Red Devils host Brighton in their first game of the Premier League season at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. But unheralded star Ronaldo will have to sit among the substitutes, with Christian Eriksen playing up front. Cristiano Ronaldo (pictured) left on the bench for Manchester United United face Brighton on Sunday, kick-off at 2pm. The Portuguese forward has openly stated his desire to leave the club this summer for Champions League football after United’s poor season left them in the Europa League. The ongoing saga of whether to stay or leave has undermined new manager Erik ten Hag in his first summer. Dutchman Ten Haag has described Ronaldo’s decision to leave Old Trafford before the end of United’s last friendly after the switch as “unacceptable”. The unheralded star had insisted he was ready to play before the game on Instagram (pictured) Pundit and club icon Gary Neville said he was “disappointed” with Ronaldo for making a “messy” start to the new Ten Haag era, while Wayne Rooney urged United to sell his former team-mate. Following an injury to Anthony Martial, the likely starting forward if fit, Ronaldo had declared he was “ready” to play against Brighton on Instagram. Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford will play behind lone striker Eriksen, with a midfield three of Fred, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes. In defence, Lisandro Martinez makes his competitive debut, with new signing Tyrell Malacia on the bench.

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