Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scored hat-tricks as Man City thumped Man Utd at the Etihad on Sunday; Cristiano Ronaldo was an unused substitute for the first time this season; United boss Erik ten Hag on why Ronaldo didn’t feature: “I didn’t bring him on out of respect for his big career”

Erik ten Hag says he did not bring Cristiano Ronaldo off the bench during Manchester United’s 6-3 defeat at Manchester City “out of respect”.

But former Man Utd captain Roy Keane has criticised the club’s handling of the Portuguese superstar, declaring that United are displaying “disrespect” to the striker.

The 37-year-old was an unused substitute for the first time this season as City thumped United at the Etihad on Super Sunday.

Marcus Rashford’s return from a muscle injury saw Ronaldo drop out of United’s starting line-up and despite manager Ten Hag making five changes during the game, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was not one of them

Asked why Ronaldo did not feature, Ten Hag revealed he did not want to insult the forward by introducing him with United already 4-0 down.Advertisement”I didn’t bring him on out of respect for his big career,” the Dutchman said at his post-match press conference.”And the other thing, there was then the advantage I could bring Antony Martial on. He needs the minutes but I don’t want to point it out like that.”