Mikael Silvestre has claimed Cristiano Ronaldo should play regularly even if data shows Manchester United are better without him in the side.
Ronaldo has been limited to substitutes appearances under Erik ten Hag in the Premier League, scoring only a goal across nine top-flight games this campaign.
- Henry reveals the mistake Darwin Nunez is making at Liverpool
- REVEALED: Five Premier League players who have been surprisingly good this campaign
- Ferdinand names three teams he would ‘put his house’ on to finish in the Premier League top four
He was recently punished over disciplinary issues after he refused to come off the bench in United’s 2-0 victory against Tottenham and stormed off down the tunnel.
The Portugal international was heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford in the summer and could even leave when the window reopens in January.
Former Manchester United defender Silvestre, though, believes Ronaldo should be handed more game time by Ten Hag.
When told that data suggests United are winning more matches, covering more distance and averaging more points with Ronaldo out of the team, Silvestre told bettingexpert: ‘I think Cristiano can add to the team.
‘Whether it’s Premier League, Europa League, or when the cups start. When you score 20-plus goals from one season to another. He hasn’t aged five years.
‘He might be less mobile than others, than Marcus Rashford for example, but top clubs need top strikers. ‘It’s important that he plays as much as possible and that he’s available for the team.
‘After that, the manager needs to find the balance to keep everybody fit, focused and happy. ‘And that’s why it’s complicated because being on the bench, nobody likes it, that’s for sure.’
Sporting Lisbon are reportedly preparing a January bid for Ronaldo but the Red Devils must pay part of his wages.
Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim revealed last week that they are ‘dreaming’ about re-signing Ronaldo.
Chelsea still remain interested in bringing Ronaldo to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.
United, meanwhile, are playing in the Europa League on Thursday night as they face Real Sociedad and take on Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
