Europa League: Ronaldo pissed off when I don’t play him – Ten Hag

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo is happy at the club, despite concerns the player could leave in January’s transfer window after a lack of game time.

Ronaldo was an unused substitute in United’s heavy defeat against rivals Man City on Sunday.

Ten Hag said he resisted the temptation to bring on Ronaldo “out of respect for his career.”

He told reporters in a news conference on Wednesday the 37-year-old is “pissed off” when he doesn’t play, but there is “good spirit.”

“I don’t bring him on out of respect, it’s nothing to do with what’s happening for the future or January or next year,” Ten Hag said. “I don’t see he’s unhappy, he’s happy, he’s training well, he’s enjoying it. Everyone is training well, there’s a good spirit.

“He’s not happy that he wasn’t playing on Sunday, but that wasn’t the question.

“The question was about his mood when he’s around and he’s happy. Of course, he wants to play, he’s pissed off when he’s not playing.”