Posted: 00:20, August 3, 2022 | Updated: 01:12, 3 August 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to start Manchester United’s opening game of the 2022-23 Premier League season on the bench amid continued uncertainty over his future at the club.
The Portuguese superstar still has 12 months left on his £360,000-a-week Manchester United contract but has stated his desire to leave the club earlier this summer as he looks to pursue Champions League football.
The 37-year-old forward was also absent from United’s pre-season tour of Bangkok and Australia after the club gave him extra time off to attend to a family matter.
Cristiano Ronaldo to start Man United’s opening game of the season from the bench
Ronaldo made his United return against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano – playing just 45 minutes before leaving the pitch before the final whistle.
Erik ten Hag has therefore decided that Ronaldo will start United’s opening game of the Premier League season against Brighton on the bench, according to the Sun.
The Dutch manager is set to reward Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford with a place in the starting line-up after they impressed during their pre-season campaign.
However, Ten Hag is sweating on Martial’s fitness just four days before Sunday’s Premier League opener against Brighton.
Ronaldo returned to United against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano – playing just 45 minutes before leaving the pitch before the final whistle (above)
As a result, Erik ten Hag is reluctant to start the 37-year-old given his lack of minutes
The Frenchman was injured in United’s 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the pre-season, leaving the field after an hour with a hamstring strain.
It is a blow for the Dutch manager as Martial had regained his best form while away on United’s pre-season tour this summer.
Having fallen out of favor last season and being sent out on loan to Sevilla, Martial might have been expected to leave the club this summer, but instead he played an important role in the build-up and is likely to play a key role in Ten Haag’s plans moving forward.
Ten Hag would like to start Anthony Martial if he is fit enough to be selected for the game
Goals against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace encouraged that Martial could become an important player for United again after several seasons in which he struggled to live up to his early promise.
If Martial is ruled out, Ten Hag could turn to Ronaldo – who only returned to the club last summer after leaving in 2009 for Real Madrid.
However, Ronaldo has made it clear that he is keen to leave the club this summer and secure a transfer ahead of United’s opening game of the season.
However, Ten Haag will be willing to sit out United’s first game of 2022-23 against Brighton with a result.
