Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag's philosophy on his starting line-up may well see Cristiano Ronaldo recalled from the bench sooner rather than later.
As the September 1 transfer deadline rushes into view, time for the club and Ronaldo to decide on his future at United is vanishing in front of them. The MEN reported earlier in the week that Napoli have held discussions with Ronaldo's agent as the Italian giants look to secure the services of the 37-year-old this summer.
After Ten Hag made the decision to drop Ronaldo to the bench against Liverpool, and subsequently Southampton, the speculation over the Portuguese international's future has intensified. There is no doubting that all parties want to find a resolution to the saga that has rumbled on for months - what that outcome looks like however is still to be seen.
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The confirmation of Antony's arrival at United from Ajax will give Ten Hag's attack another dimension as the Brazilian looks to bring his flair and skill to the club. The Dutchman was keen to add a left-footer to his forward line in order to bring creativity and balance to his attack.
United now have a handful of versatile players in the final-third that can play in multiple positions, begging the question as to how Ronaldo gets back into the starting XI. Should the 37-year-old remain at the club this season, he might not have to wait as long as some might think.
Speaking during his time at Ajax to Dutch Soccer Site on his philosophy behind guaranteed starters, Ten Hag said: "But no one is, in my book [a guaranteed starter]. And I told them this. There is a hierarchy, yes, but whether you’re 19 or 29, you play when you’re the best for the position."
The United manager also showed his awareness of the importance of rotation earlier in pre-season as he discussed the congested nature of the Premier League fixture list.
He said: "There is a reason in a number of games you need more options in offence. I think it's vital if you want to get success, the season is really long but we still also have time to fill that in."
United travel to Leicester on Thursday night before welcoming Arsenal to Old Trafford this Sunday. Rotation will be key as the Reds play two games in the space of four days, especially as Mikel Arteta's side have an extra day to prepare for the fixture due to their match against Aston Villa taking place on Wednesday night.
The impending introduction of Europa League matches into United's schedule will only make the fixture list even more congested. The World Cup this year also adds an extra complexity to the depth needed at Old Trafford this season.
Ronaldo might not be Ten Hag's flavour of the week right now – but the role he has to play in United's squad this season will be more important than ever. The man who scored 18 goals in the league last season may well see his name back in the starting XI a lot sooner than expected.
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