Erik ten Hag might need to revisit Jamie Carragher comments on Cristiano Ronaldo at Man United

Jamie Carragher was adamant about how Erik ten Hag should stamp his mark at Manchester United upon his arrival.

Using Jurgen Klopp’s sale of Christian Benteke during his early Liverpool days as an example, he said: “(Make) that big bold decision straight away, it makes everyone sit up and think 'Oh this fella takes this job seriously!'

“I’m convinced he’s (Ten Hag) got to do that with Ronaldo, whether he’s allowed to or not, and I’ve said this consistently throughout this season, that was not a good signing.”

At the time of Carragher’s comments in May, the debate around Ronaldo's impact on the team was a hot topic. The superstar had just hammered home 24 goals in his homecoming season but many felt his presence was stifling the progress of teammates, as United recorded their worst ever Premier League finish.

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher was right with first Erik ten Hag prediction

It seemed as though Ten Hag had been presented with an open goal to carry out Carragher’s wish when Ronaldo submitted a transfer request over the summer. He was given further reason to offload him when the striker left Old Trafford at half-time in the only friendly he featured in all summer — the 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano.

However, throughout it all, Ten Hag was adamant Ronaldo was part of his plans and that the player himself had not told him he wanted to leave. The United boss has still managed to stamp his mark at the club without having to reduce his squad size amid a packed season.

Ronaldo, 37, is now virtually considered a squad rotation player by Ten Hag having started just three games this season, two of which have come by virtue of injuries to the preferred Antony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

Furthermore, Ten Hag has dropped Luke Shaw