Erik ten Hag explains why Cristiano Ronaldo is on the bench for Manchester United vs Brighton

Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo is still lacking the match fitness required to start for Manchester United after missing much of the pre-season schedule.

United begin their new Premier League season at home to Brighton on Sunday, and Ten Hag will be hoping for three points to set the standard for the opening matches of the new campaign.

The Dutchman has named his side for the first match of the season, with summer signings Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez both making their competitive debuts for the club.

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Speaking ahead of the match, Ten Hag explained his selection and why Ronaldo was only fit enough for the bench in the absence of Anthony Martial.

“You have already mentioned, a short pre-season," he told MUTV. "He only started training last week, he only had 45 minutes. He’s not on the fitness levels of the rest of his teammates and in the Premier League, I saw it in the games on Friday and yesterday, they are really tough, high intensity, low block, high block and you need to be fit to do that."

When asked about the inclusion of Eriksen and Martinez, he added: "They are really experienced, they will be ready.

"The most important thing about Christian Eriksen or Lisandro Martinez is, yes they strengthen the squad, but it is about the team on the pitch. We want to play as a team, act as a team."

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