Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender-turned-pundit, has said Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag "cannot lose" in the ongoing Cristiano Ronaldo saga.
Since the Dutchman's arrival at Old Trafford, Ronaldo has been largely restricted to a bit-part role. He has started just four of their 13 Premier League games scoring only once. He's fared slightly better in the Europa League, enjoying more game time and with two goals from six group games but it is a far cry from when he was first choice last season.
Speaking on the Overlap, Carragher believes Ten Hag has managed the situation extremely well. He said: "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.
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"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."
As for Ronaldo possibly moving on in January, Carragher is not convinced.
He added: "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."
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