Erik ten Hag gives verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance v Omonia

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Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score for Manchester United on a frustrating night in front of goal for the forward.

Ronaldo looked agitated and restless as his search for a goal from open play this season continues.

Erik ten Hag gave him all 90 minutes, and his teammates were going out of their way to present him with opportunities, which he could not convert.

Ronaldo had eight shots at goal, hitting the woodwork, but could not hit the back of the net.

Ten Hag backs Ronaldo after frustrating night

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag gave a positive assessment of Ronaldo’s display despite his lack of production in front of goal.

The boss felt Ronaldo’s overall game helped the team, talking him up after the 3-2 victory.

He said: “I think the first two [shots he had produced] good saves from the goalie. He had a couple of chances, also he created a couple of chances.

“He was in for a good move and run for the first goal with Marcus Rashford, so he had an impact in this game.”

Ronaldo ended up with an assist for Marcus Rashford’s winner, although it’s unclear whether it was a pass or a miss-hit shot.

The fact United won the game meant Ronaldo’s misses were not costly. There would have been a lot more scrutiny on his display had United failed to win.

You can take what you want from Ronaldo’s display

What you take from Ronaldo’s performance depends on what your outlook was heading into the match.

If you feel Ronaldo is ‘past it’ and is no longer an asset for United, then this match could be construed as further evidence to back this argument.

Ronaldo missed some simple chances against a clearly inferior team, and this was a wasted opportunity for him to build his confidence up.

On the other hand, if you feel Ronaldo just needs game time and rhythm to recapture his best form, and feel that the goals will come eventually, then this performance could be taken as an encouraging one.

Ronaldo linked up well with his teammates, Rashford in particular, and there appeared much more synergy with the team than last season, when United’s front three often played as individuals.

He had 49 touches in total, and created three chances for his teammates. Ten Hag was right, Ronaldo did have an ‘impact’, even though it was not in the way he would have hoped.