Europa League: You’ve disrespected Ronaldo again – Paul Scholes tells Man Utd coach, Ten Hag

Manchester United legend, Paul Scholes, believes manager Erik ten Hag has disrespected forward Cristiano Ronaldo again after handing him a starting berth in the Red Devils’ Europa League clash against Omonia Nicosia on Thursday in Cyprus.

Ronaldo, who scored Man United’s second goal in their Europa League 2-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol last month, was one of three changes to the starting line-up following Sunday’s Premier League derby 6-3 defeat to Manchester City.

The Portugal captain was reinstated to the team alongside Casemiro and Victor Lindelof.

Ronaldo was not called upon by Ten Hag at the weekend despite watching Man United find themselves 4-0 down by half-time against Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium.

Ten Hag used all five of his allotted substitutions but opted to overlook the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

And Scholes believes Ten Hag has even further disrespected Ronaldo by starting him against Omonia.

“I think it is almost more disrespectful playing him on a Thursday night in the Europa League,” Scholes told BT Sport. “This man is a world superstar.

“I am not saying at 37 years of age, he should be starting the games, the big games especially, but this is a competition that is hard to get yourself motivated for. I don’t like saying that, but it’s true when you are a big player at a big club like this.

“He has to change his mentality now, and because he is so strong mentally, it will be to score two goals and get himself in the team for the weekend [at Everton].”