Why Ten Hag chose Martial as a substitute instead of Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag left out both Cristiano Ronaldo and captain Harry Maguire for the Monday Night Football clash against Liverpool.

United go into the Old Trafford clash in the relegation zone without a point from their opening two games, and ten Hag has decided to start Raphael Varane and brought in Anthony Martial in place of Cristiano Ronaldo who has already asked to leave the club this summer.

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Ronaldo was also named on the bench for United's opener with Brighton as he was allowed to miss much of the club's pre-season preparations for personal reasons, but both started last weekend's 4-0 defeat to Brentford, where each completed 90 minutes.

Ten Hag has opted for Anthony Martial as the striker had a very good pre-season with United, and the manager wants to give him continuity so that he does not lose his good form.

Liverpool looks lost against United

The Liverpool team started the match in a bad way, and was outplayed by Manchester in midfield. Joe Gomez, who was not fit to start against Crystal Palace last week, replaces Nat Phillips in defense while Jordan Henderson also starts in place of Fabinho, who is on the bench.