Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained why he decided to start Cristiano Ronaldo in their 3-0 win over FC Sheriff on Thursday night.
The Red Devils secured a comfortable win over the Moldovan side in their UEFA Europa League tie this week, with Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford and Ronaldo all scoring.
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After making headlines for refusing to go on as a substitute during United's Premier League game with Tottenham Hotspur last week and then being dropped for the Red Devils' match against Chelsea last Saturday, the 37-year-old was restored to the starting line-up on Thursday.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner announced his return with a goal in the last 10 minutes of the European tie, which could increase the striker's chances of starting against West Ham United on Sunday.
Prior to kick-off, Ten Hag explained why the veteran was starting against Sheriff.
"We have a trio with Cristiano [Ronaldo], with Antony and [Alejandro] Garnacho who have the qualities to create, to dribble, that's what is expected of them, to create chances and goals," the 52-year-old said, per the Daily Express.
"He [Ronaldo] doesn't have to convince me [off the pitch to get a start against West Ham], he has to convince me on the pitch.
"He is an important part of the squad and we have to play a role in all competitions.
"Today we need goals, we have to win, we want to be number one in the pool."
Following the win, the Dutch manager full of praise for Ronaldo's performance.
"He was great," Ten Hag said, per the Daily Mirror.
"He created chances and the team creates for him. He needs a goal to get over that point and I am confident he will get more goals.
"I wanted to see Cristiano and Marcus Rashford close together, and that is why we made our planned substitution of taking Antony off.
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"Our substitutions were planned. We are confident going into the final game in what we have to do."
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