I really feel like Cristiano Ronaldo should be in the starting 11. He is still a great player and there is no reason why he should not be played as a starting 11 player. His performance this season has not been well.
But there is also a big reason behind it. The coach does not have any confidence in Cristiano Ronaldo and right now it feels like Cristiano Ronaldo is a player who is more suited as a bench warmer instead of a world-class player.
For sure, CR7 is not a bench warmer and is best suited for first team. His in the first 11 of course but this way of coming from the bench is just some way for Ten Hag to making him go head down in the game. We all know he wanted to leave and as such, its hard giving your best in a team you no longer believe in or don't have a sense of belonging about. You've got to want it, wan t to play and CR7 is a player that is always after the glamour and seeking out his career objectives. How is he supposed to get that if not on the pitch? That means his got to want to play and coming from the bench can stimulate that. Either your team is loosing and you wish to be there saviour or your team is winning and you've got to share in their joys on the pitch.