Manchester United legend Roy Keane criticizes the club's management for its disrespectful treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo has only started one of Manchester United's seven Premier League games this season, with his most recent bench appearance coming in Sunday's derby against Manchester City.

United's 6-3 loss to Manchester City on Sunday resulted from Hag's decision to leave Ronaldo off the starting lineup. United trailed four goals at half-time, with Ronaldo and fellow surprise substitute Casemiro staring with blank expressions.

Casemiro and Ronaldo have 10 Champions League winner medals, but Ronaldo spent the entire afternoon on the bench as Casemiro played.

Ten Hag stated after the game that he did not substitute Ronaldo "out of respect for his career." However, Manchester United icon Roy Keane has criticized the decision not to play Ronaldo.

After the Manchester City loss, Keane said, "I think Man United are just showing disrespect to Ronaldo. I think he should have been let go before the transfer window. I think the manager is holding on to him. Okay, you say you need options, but you don't hold on to Ronaldo to sit on the bench. He's one of the greatest players ever."

"He had options. This idea that he had no options is rubbish; he did have options, four or five very good options. It's just going to get uglier as the season goes on."

United went down when City's Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scored a pair of goals each and eventually completed hat-tricks. Antony had given United a glimmer of hope before them falling behind 6-1; however, Martial's two late goals salvaged some pride for the Red side of Manchester on a dreadful day.

During the previous transfer window, Ronaldo was connected to numerous clubs, including Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

The Portugal captain might pursue a transfer in January, during which he can sign a pre-contract agreement with any interested parties.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner might return to United's starting lineup for Thursday's Europa League match against Omonia Nicosia.

Roy Keane believes Manchester United should be embarrassed

Keane was outraged by Manchester United's dreadful performance, which was spared only by Anthony Martial's late brace, and he had harsh words for the team.

"Four-nil down at half-time – they were 4-0 down at Brentford – and the performance in the second half, it's no good, even as consolation. He said they scored a few goals, [but] the game's over. "There's nothing for Man United to take out of this game. From the players' point of view, they really should be embarrassed. You can't go in at half-time 4-0 down in a derby game; it's hugely embarrassing."

United was riding a four-game winning streak in the Premier League before this match, but they fell to City in the derby and are now nine points back from the league-leading Arsenal.