"I left him on bench because out of respect" - Erik Den Hag reveals reason He didn't play Cristiano Ronaldo in their 6-3 defeat to Man City

Erik Den Hag has revealed the reason he left Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench during their defeat to Manchester City.

The Red Devils suffered 6-3 thrashing against their local rival in Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Erling Haaland and  Phil Foden scored hat-tricks against Erik Den Hag side who struggled in the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the bench in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium.

The 37-year-old is yet to start a Premier League game under Erik Den Hag so far this term.

Ronaldo watched Manchester United thrail 4-0 at half time as he watched from the bench.

The former Ajax boss said that he decided not to introduce Ronaldo into the game as means of respecting his career record.

Ten Hag said: “I wouldn't bring him in because out of respect for Cristiano, his big career”. 

Although, the Dutch boss introduced Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Fred and Anthony Martial in the game. 

Anthony Martial scored twice after he came into the game a substitute. Erik Den Hag added that he introduced the French forward into the game because he needed more minutes. 

He said: “Other thing was the advantage I could bring Martial, he needs the minutes but I don't want to point it out like that. "

If you recall that Martial has been out of action due to injury he suffered in Manchester United win over Liverpool weeks ago.