Darren Bent has described Erik ten Hag's decision to play Cristiano Ronaldo against Sheriff on Thursday as "strange" after his strop eight days ago.
The veteran forward, 37, was dropped by Ten Hag after refusing to come on during Manchester United's 2-0 home win against Tottenham last Wednesday. He missed their 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and was made to train alone.
"It's a strange decision, you'd have to say," Bent told talkSPORT. "I thought he would've maybe been left on the bench, but Ten Hag's brought him straight back. It'll be really interesting to see the reception he gets, though."
Bent added: "It's surprised me, but fair play. Ten Hag's made the decision again, but at least he's in control of these decisions. No one is undermining him, even though Ronaldo stormed off. But he's brought him back - put it to bed and get on with it."
Explaining his decision to recall Ronaldo, Ten Hag said: "He is a important part of the squad. Today we need goals. We have to win because we want to be number one in the pool."
Ronaldo returned to first-team training on Tuesday and Ten Hag confirmed he would be included in the squad to face Sheriff. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has struggled to find his best form since Ten Hag arrived in the summer, scoring just two goals this season.
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"It's not difficult but I think we set everything and we answered all the questions," said Ten Hag in a press conference on Wednesday. "So he was out for one game and now he is back in the squad as usual... I won't answer anymore [questions on Ronaldo].
"So all the questions I think everything we covered last week, everything we explained so we have to focus on the game tomorrow. We have an important game because we want to be number one in the group so let's focus on that."
Ten Hag promised to "deal" with Ronaldo after he stormed down the tunnel during United's Premier League win against Tottenham. It was later revealed that the forward refused to play and left Old Trafford before the full-time whistle.
It was the second time Ronaldo has left the ground during a game under Ten Hag's tenure. He did the same in the middle of a pre-season friendly against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in August after being substituted at half-time.
"The talk is between Cristiano and me," said Ten Hag in response to Ronaldo's punishment. "The statement is also clear. I am the manager, I'm responsible for the top sport culture here and I have to set standards and values, and I have to control them.
"We are in a team. After Rayo Vallecano I said it's unacceptable but he wasn't the only one. That is for everyone, when it's the second time it will have consequence. That is now what we did... I think it's important for the attitude, mentality for the group."
Ronaldo has since apologised. "As I've always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches," he said.
"That hasn't changed. I haven't changed... I've always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I've represented. Unfortunately that's not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.
"Right now, I just feel I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my team-mates and be ready for everything in any given game. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United and united we must stand."
