Conte suggests Ten Hag has got huge Ronaldo call all wrong, as Tottenham boss fires surprise volley at Man Utd

Antonio Conte reckons Cristiano Ronaldo is still a difference maker despite his diminished role under Erik ten Hag, and took a surprise swipe at Man Utd when referencing last season’s fixture against Tottenham.

Manchester United host Tottenham in an 8:15pm kick off on Wednesday night. Tottenham will hope to keep the pressure on title rivals Arsenal and Man City by taking all three points, but winning at Old Trafford is far from straightforward.

United are unbeaten in their last four across all competitions, though wasteful finishing has blighted their last two matches against Omonia Nicosia and Newcastle.

Only an injury time winner from Scott McTominay prevented a chastening 0-0 draw with Omonia last Thursday. There were no such late heroics against the Magpies.

Cristiano Ronaldo started both matches and found the net in neither. The Portuguese icon started the season on the bench and but for another Anthony Martial injury, would still be a bit-part player under Ten Hag.

The striker has unquestionably struggled in front of goal this year, with just two goals in 12 appearances to his name.

He was substituted off after 72 minutes against Newcastle when replaced by Marcus Rashford. However, with three points at his mercy with a late header, Rashford missed where many believe Ronaldo would have scored.

Ronaldo’s future will come to a head in 2023. But the time being, Ten Hag is still searching for how best to utilise the 37-year-old in the autumn of his career.

Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday, Spurs boss Conte was asked for his pre-match thoughts about Man Utd.

The subject of Ronaldo came up given he was the difference maker in the corresponding fixture last season. Ronaldo bagged a sensational hattrick as the Red Devils ran out 3-2 victors in March.

Conte seemed to suggest Ronaldo should still be a regular starter for Manchester United, and also took a surprise swipe at the club when claiming it was Ronaldo and Ronaldo alone – not Man Utd – that beat Tottenham last season.

“We lost against Ronaldo, not against United”

On how highly he rates Ronaldo, Conte replied (via the MEN): “I think I am the last person to make this question, because last season he scored a hat-trick against us!

“We are talking about an amazing player, a top player. In my opinion, we are talking about a player, that continues to make the difference for the team that he is playing for.

“Cristiano with Messi, they made the story of football in the last 10 years, in the last 15 years.

“We lost 3-2, but we lost against him, not against United last season. I remember very well, because we played a very good game, and he solved the situation a lot.”

Judging by Conte’s comments, he’ll be hoping Ronaldo starts tomorrow’s contest on the bench.

Conte gives Man Utd wise advice

The Italian boss was also asked about his opposite number in the Man Utd dugout.

Conte stressed United must back Ten Hag in the transfer market if they’re to truly turn the corner. United spent over £200m over the summer and many of their new recruits – Antony, Lisandro Martinez – have hit the ground running.

However, aside from just financial backing, Conte urged Man Utd to show the one trait that is often lacking in football these days – patience.

“He did very well with Ajax and for sure he has taken a great job for United because United is one of the best teams in the world,” said Conte of Ten Hag.

“He is trying to bring his ideas into the pitch and I think also the club back him in the transfer market.

“Like other managers and coaches he needs time to work and to try to improve his team.”

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