It it true that Ten Hag has likeness for Ronaldo, he stood by Ronaldo through the summer window when he was the talking point of everyone and I think he is gradually fitting into the team and gradually accepting the terms of his stay in the team. Ten Hag is picking his starting level from player performances and Ronaldo has not shown a performance that can earn him a first team start up and until then we will be seeing him starting from the bench.
Ten Hag has a tough problem to solve. He knows Ronaldo is still helpful in particular match and condition because not many players have skills and experience Ronaldo has. On the other hands, he also knows that he can not use in a squad and if he does that, he will have to resolve more issues from Ronaldo. At Ronaldo age, he is not good to play in tactic of Ten Hag. If Ten Hag tries to put Ronaldo in the squad, the general performance of Manchester United can be affected negatively. That is not what Ten Hag want to cope with.
Liverpool can still be better. but they really need to fix it fast. because the season goes on. even Liverpool's crushing defeat against Napoli in the UEFA Champions League really surprised me. and tomorrow Liverpool will also face a strong team, namely Ajax. but at least Liverpool's next opponent in the premier league is not so strong (Wolves). but still not to be taken lightly.
Liverpool can improve and get a position in top four but it is very possible that they will not be able to compete with Manchester City for Premier League trophy in this season. With lot of issues and many points lost so far, that is impossible if Manchester City won't surprisingly lose their form and fall into a crisis like Liverpool have now.