Man Utd legend Scholes slams Ten Hag for ‘disrespecting’ Cristiano Ronaldo by playing legend against Omonia in the Europa League

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has slammed Erik ten Hag as “almost disrespectful” for playing against Cristiano Ronaldo in the Europa League over the Manchester derby.

The Red Devils manager said he did not use CR7 against Manchester City at the weekend out of “respect for his career”.

3

3

Ten Hag then named Ronaldo in the starting line-up for tonight’s Europa League clash against Omonia Nicosia.

And Scholes, 47, said playing Ronaldo against the Cypriot Minnows had damaged his image more than playing him at the Etihad would have done.

He said on BT Sport: “I find it almost more disrespectful to play him in the Europa League on a Thursday night.” This man is a world superstar.

“I’m not saying he should start playing at 37, especially the big games, but this is a competition that’s hard to motivate yourself to play in.

“I hate to say it, but it’s true when you’re a big player at a big club like this.

“He needs to change his mentality now and because he’s so strong mentally it will be about scoring two goals and putting himself in the team for the weekend.”

Ronaldo has largely been out of Europa League duty this season.

The 37-year-old has started all three games in Europe this season compared to just once in the Premier League.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – THE BEST DEALS FOR NEW CUSTOMERS

United first lost by one goal on the night to a team currently fourth in the Cyprus First Division.

A mistake by Tyrell Malacia saw the Omonia counterattack and ended a quick counterattack.

Ten Hag responded by throwing at Marcus Rashford at the break, who equalized just eight minutes after coming on.

The Dutchman then sent on Anthony Martial and it took the forward even less time to make his mark.

Just two minutes after stepping onto the field, he gave the Red Devils a 2-1 lead.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, missed an open goal to make it 3-1 when his close-range shot ricocheted off the post.

3