Erik ten Hag "can't lose" with his selection or omission of Cristiano Ronaldo as he continues to stamp his authority at Manchester United, according to Jamie Carragher.
The Dutchman has had to deal with the wantaway star ever since he arrived at Old Trafford and has received huge praise for how he's handled the situation. Ronaldo made it clear he wanted out and was absent for parts of pre-season which has led to him being used sporadically this season.
Ten Hag has only handed Ronaldo four league starts, opting to use him primarily from the bench despite the hysteria around the situation. Carragher has highlighted how Ten Hag is now in a win-win situation in Manchester ahead of a potential parting of ways in January.
He said on the Overlap : "I think he has handled the Ronaldo thing unbelievably well in that he's shown his authority with taking him out of the squad, but also putting him back in because he can't lose. If Ronaldo scores and they win then fantastic, if Ronaldo doesn't perform he looks right again for not playing him and not using him.
"People would then be saying it's better he goes in January. He can just sit back, Ten Hag has done his job with Ronaldo, he's shown his authority. Ronaldo knows where he stands, this guy (Ten Hag) can't be messed about. He just sits back and lets it play out.
"I don't think it'll be as easy as you think to get out in January. Everyone knew he wanted to go in the summer. I think for Ronaldo, I don't see him going to some mickey mouse league because he's so driven. He wants to get goals in Europe, be the record goalscorer, play in proper leagues. I don't see him going to the MLS or a league in Qatar, but I couldn't speak highly enough of Ten Hag.
Will Ronaldo leave Man Utd in January? Tell us what you think here.
"If I'm looking at Man Utd this season. They've had some good results, some bad results, but that is the most impressive thing that makes me think they've got a proper manager."
Ronaldo started in United's loss at Aston Villa last time out having also been handed the captain's armband. Ten Hag has since confessed that his No 7 was his fourth choice captain but absences, positional issues and language barriers meant he opted to make the forward his skipper.
The Portuguese star has only scored once in the league so far - a winner against Everton as he notched his 700th club goal at Goodison Park. Ronaldo is set to push for a move away once again in January, which comes after his World Cup efforts, but finding a suitor could prove problematic.
