Man United Manager Didn’t Sub Ronaldo Into Derby Rout ‘Out of Respect’

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — 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.

“The plan was to show bravery and confidence, but we didn’t from the first minute,” Ten Hag said. “We left Haaland and we were not tight.

“For the first goal we won the ball and could have created a great chance, but instead we gave it easily away and then it was like a pack of cards.

“I criticized them, I told them. Me as well, because I didn’t get the message through. With this lack of confidence we cannot win games. I don’t think this attitude is Manchester United, we can act much more brave.

“We are in the process and I knew before that big teams like City, when you are not good you get hammered and we were not good. We didn’t follow the rules and principles of the way we play and you get hammered.”

United fans began to leave at halftime to avoid witnessing further indignities after a traumatic first 45 minutes.

Foden struck after just eight minutes and then again on the stroke of the interval, with Haaland scoring twice in between.

Antony scored a wonderful goal from distance after 56 minutes but City was soon back on top, with Haaland completing his treble and then setting up Foden to do likewise.

Martial’s goals—the second coming from the penalty spot—made it the highest-ever scoring game between the rivals.