by United went into this weekend’s Manchester derby at the Etihad with high hopes after a four-match winning streak that included wins over Liverpool and Arsenal.
United trailed 4-0 at half-time but showed fighting spirit to win the second half 3-2 thanks to a superb strike from new signing Antony and a brace from substitute Anthony Martial.
However, former United captain Keane believes Ten Haag has achieved the opposite and has actually “disrespected” Ronaldo this season.
“I think it’s ridiculous for a player of his size, for Manchester United to keep him [on the bench],β Keane said Sky Sports.
“Even today, could he have brought him on? Of course he could have. Well, what if you’re 4-0 down. If you look at his goal record, he’s got as good a chance as anyone putting the ball at the back of the net.
“People are obsessed with the pressing side of the game … If you put the ball in the right areas, it will score.”
“Manchester United are disrespecting Ronaldo,” Keane added.
“I think he should have left before the transfer window [closed].
Roy Keane and Micah Richards clash over Cristiano Ronaldo’s role at Manchester United! ππΏ
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β Sky Sports (@SkySports) October 2, 2022
“I think the manager is keeping him, OK, you say you need options, but if you don’t keep Ronaldo to sit on the bench. He’s one of the best players of all time, he had options, this idea that he didn’t have options is rubbish. .He had options, four or five very good options.
“Okay, today, the manager brought on Martial, who scored two, so yes, that’s justified. But overall, the big picture, he’s not going to play Ronaldo, we know that.
“He’s played in one or two European games, it’s just going to get worse as the season goes on. OK, Ronaldo is motivated with the World Cup coming up.
“Manchester United have shown nothing but respect for Ronaldo!” π€
Roy Keane believes Manchester United should have let Cristiano Ronaldo leave the club in the summer. pic.twitter.com/Zgs4vlItPG
β Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 2, 2022
“But if every week every week he sits on the bench at Man United, it’s not good.”
Ronaldo has been sidelined this season after handing in a transfer request during the summer break, missing most of pre-season.
He has managed just one goal in eight appearances β a penalty against Moldova’s Serif Tiraspol in the Europa League last month.
Ten Hag could give Ronaldo another chance on Thursday when United return to European action away to Omonia in Cyprus.
