EKO HOT BLOG reports that Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag said he substituted Cristiano Ronaldo in their 0-0 draw with Newcastle to keep him fresh for upcoming Premier League fixtures against Tottenham and Chelsea.
Ronaldo made way for Marcus Rashford in the 71st minute after another blunt performance in which he was flagged offside, had a goal disallowed and cautioned.
The 37-year-old played the full 90 minutes in the narrow win over Omonia Nicosia on Thursday night and United host Tottenham on Wednesday before travelling to Chelsea on Saturday.
In his words, most of his players were not available.
Key players such as Christian Eriksen and Anthony Martial were missing from the matchday squad due to illness and fitness issues.
Ten Hag made just one change which was taking off Ronaldo fo Rashford as United chased the winner.
The former Ajax boss was asked why he opted for just one sub, and he told reporters, “Exactly. Some players were not available, as you know, today. Christian Eriksen not available, Anthony Martial not available, Scott McTominay not available.
“So that was the feeling I had. I brought freshness with Rashy, I think he had an impact. If he scored that goal then you do everything right.”
It was Manchester United’s first draw of the season, having lost three Premier League matches and won six before today.
The Red Devils heaviest defeat came in the hands of Brentford and Manchester City earlier in the season.
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