Manchester United: Cristiano Ronaldo suffers huge blow

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 8: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League match between Manchester United v Real Sociedad at the Old Trafford on September 8, 2022 in Manchester United Kingdom (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 8: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League match between Manchester United v Real Sociedad at the Old Trafford on September 8, 2022 in Manchester United Kingdom (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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Manchester United have shown definite signs of improvement under the management of Erik ten Hag this season. The club might have lost their Europa League opener against Real Sociedad but they came into that game on the back of four wins on the trot in the Premier League. Thus, while there is work to be done, it is safe to say that the club seems to be moving in the right direction.

At the same time though, Manchester United fans need to be careful, not to get too excited. There have been enough false dawns at the club over the past decade or so, without it ever materialising into something substantial. Let’s see how things go under the management of Ten Hag.

One player who seems to be going through a tough time right now is Cristiano Ronaldo, who is yet to score or assist this season. And he has been spending most of his time as an impact substitute.

There seems to be some bad news for Ronaldo as well, as it looks like Ten Hag views Rashford as his number one choice at striker. As reported by The Sun, a source said:

"“The manager wants Marcus to be United’s No 1 striker and lead the line up front.“He believes Marcus has the ability to become one of the world’s best and wants him to express himself in matches.“He is always telling him to use his pace and skills when he gets a chance. He told Marcus he will easily score 20 this season.“They have a great relationship and Marcus is really happy.”"

Ronaldo handed huge blow as Ten Hag sees Rashford as Manchester United’s main striker

It goes without saying that the situation is far from ideal for Ronaldo. The legend was believed to have been interested in leaving this summer itself but there did not seem to be a lot of interest in his signature.

On the other hand, Rashford has made a great start to this season, and looks like a player reborn under the management of Ten Hag.

If he continues to perform like this then there is no question that he should be the club’s main man up top but then that would come at the expense of Ronaldo having to sit on the bench.