Ronaldo has started in just one of United’s seven Premier League matches this season, and his last appearance on the bench was Sunday’s derby against Manchester City. Eric Ten Hag chose not to bring on the 37-year-old despite a 6-3 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, and Keane took issue with the way he was treated after his summer transfer request was denied.
Keane, the Red Devils legend told Sky Sports after the Manchester City defeat: “I think Man United are just showing disrespect to Ronaldo. I think he should have been let go before the transfer window. I think the manager is holding on to him. Okay, you say you need options, but you don’t hold on to Ronaldo to sit on the bench. He’s one of the greatest players ever.
“He had options. This idea that he had no options is rubbish; he did have options, four or five very good options. It’s just going to get uglier as the season goes on.”
Ronaldo has been linked with various clubs in the latest transfer window including Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.
The Portuguese captain may push for another transfer in January, at the moment, he can sign preliminary agreements with potential applicants.
For now, the five-time Ballon d’Or winners could return to Ten Hag’s starting XI when Manchester United resume their Europa League season in Omonia, Nicosia on Thursday.
Unique observer 24 