Man Utd: 147-goal duo must now win Ten Hag over at Old Trafford

Manchester United duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Elanga are facing ‘the same challenge’ as they look to break into Erik ten Hag’s preferred starting line-up at Old Trafford, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The attackers have been used sparingly since ten Hag left reigning Eredivisie champions Ajax to take over as the Red Devils’ new boss in the summer.

Ronaldo grabbed his first goal of the season as Manchester United overcame Sheriff in their second group stage clash of the Europa League on Thursday.

However, the 37-year-old will go into the international break having failed to make a Premier League start since the 4-0 hammering at the hands of Brentford last month.

There were question marks over Ronaldo’s future during the summer transfer window as he told the hierarchy he wanted to leave in order to compete in the Champions League, but a move failed to come to fruition.

Like Ronaldo, five-cap Sweden international Elanga has found opportunities hard to come by since the new season got underway.

The winger has been afforded less than 300 minutes of game-time by ten Hag despite grabbing an assist as Manchester United secured their first win of the campaign against arch-rivals Liverpool.

Jones believes Ronaldo and Elanga find themselves behind Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial as they battle it out for a spot in the Red Devils’ attack.

The journalist feels the duo are facing difficulties to move up the pecking order and he has doubts over whether it is possible.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Ronaldo comes into the picture after that, along with Elanga.

“Can those two work their way into the side? Obviously, they are at very different ends of their career, but both with basically the same challenge