By Melody Gross 
In Sunday’s reunion clash between Manchester United and Liverpool, Erik ten Hag was taken on the journey to the first-round clash, which proved to be a turning point for the team. Cristiano Ronaldo was relegated to the bench and played just four minutes that day as the ‘Red Devils’ won 2-1 and went into the stabilization process after two defeats to open the season.
“I have to see the consequences, the impact of decisions, not only in the short term, but also in the long term. Of course, you don’t always have a lot of time, but at that time I remember we had ten days, so it’s time to consider the best option for us. Always to be strategic, and to think in the long term. I am aware of that, but this is my job and the responsibility I have to bear, ”the Manchester United coach replied, quoting the English press.
Cristiano Ronaldo made another 13 appearances for the “Red Devils”, but was only a starter in six Europa League matches and one more Premier League match. In November, he gave a controversial interview, with criticism of the club and the coach, and he ended up even before the World Cup, signing with Al-Nassr after the tournament.
He had obvious reasons. And he also knew the result, especially if the result was negative. This is always possible. But he wasn’t worried. I sleep well those nights too. I have to make decisions for the club and the team. This is my job, the responsibility I have to take, and defend those decisions,” he added, still regarding the match with Liverpool.
“There was a lack of discipline,” admitted Erik ten Hag, who imposed his authority on players like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho or Garnacho.
“You don’t have to lie about it. Write players like the structure, not just the field, so rules are needed. It seems obvious to me that in any organization that doesn’t have rules, or where rules aren’t taken seriously, there’s going to be confusion. And it was obvious That we needed it, because we could see what was going on in the field,” he added.