Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag has given reasons why he left Cristiano Ronaldo from his starting XI for the Premier League clash against Brighton.

Ronaldo has been benched for the Red Devils’ season opener at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag, speaking ahead of the match, explained that the 37-year-old was not fully fit and sharp enough to play from the beginning.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is working really hard to get in the right fitness levels, it will take time.

“He started pre-season last week… so it depends on how quick he is progressing,” Ten Hag said.

The Dutchman has however handed debuts to Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, who signed this summer from Brentford and Ajax respectively.

Fellow new boy Tyrell Malacia is also named among the substitutes.

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