PIERS MORGAN saw Manchester United’s new-look attack KO Liverpool – after he branded Cristiano Ronaldo’s axing “one of the dumbest decisions in football history” .
The Sun columnist and TV star suggested boss Erik ten Hag should be sacked for benching Ronaldo as the Red Devils would inevitably lose – only for United to sink their winless big rivals 2-1.
Ten Hag benched Ronaldo and skipper Harry Maguire – as thousands of fans joined protests against club owners the Glazers outside Old Trafford.
But Ron’s replacement Anthony Elanga teed up Jadon Sancho’s brilliant breakthrough goal and sub Anthony Martial supplied Marcus Rashford with the second goal.
And Ronaldo only came on after Mo Salah hit an 81st minute consolation when Jurgen Klopp’s men surged forward.
But huge Arsenal fan Morgan posted before kick-off: “Benching @Cristiano for Elanga against Liverpool, even by current abysmal Manchester United standards, is one of the dumbest decisions in football history.
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“Ten Hag should be fired for this alone if they get hammered tonight.. or should I say WHEN they get hammered.”
But Morgan, who has backed Ronaldo heavily over the summer, got a mixed response for his blast on social media.
United, though, finally shone after opening the season with two straight defeats.
And some fans believe Ronaldo was axed because of his possible effect on squad morale.
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One such message was: “You’re too reactive piers. I can understand why he’s done it.”
But others argued it’s folly to leave out a player of Ron’s class – especially as United are short of proved hitmen.
Typical of that view was this tweet: “He’s absolutely finished so this is the right decision.”
One fan posted: “Lol it’s a team sport and Elanga contributes more.”
And another argued: “We’re called Man United FC not Ronaldo FC. Just like it’s Arsenal FC not Aubameyang FC.”
Morgan has defended Ronaldo fiercely in recent weeks.
He branded all-time United great Wayne Rooney “jealous” for suggesting Ron might have to sit out against Liverpool.
And last week Morgan posted: “Pathetic to see Cristiano getting all the media headlines/blame for this United fiasco.
“Without him & his 18 PL goals last season they’d have been relegated, and without him this season – WHEN, not if he leaves – they might well be relegated.
“Whole club is rotten from top down.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
