Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was tightlipped on leaving Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for their 6-3 thrashing at Manchester City.

The 37-year-old Portuguese superstar was named among the substitutes for Man United's trip to the Etihad Stadium, but he did not feature as the hosts ran out 6-3 winners.

Man City went 4-0 up in the first half with two goals each from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. Both added an additional goal in the second half to secure their hat-tricks.

After the match, ten Hag told reporters that Ronaldo remained unused "out of respect for his big career", but did not elaborate further.

"And the other thing was the advantage I could bring Martial, he needs the minutes but I don't want to point it out like that," the 52-year-old Dutchman added.