Just 24 hours after Cristiano Ronaldo announced in an Instagrom story that he is ‘ready‘ for Manchester United’s Premier League opener, the 37-year-old was benched by Dutch manager Erik ten Hag against Brighton. 

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Here’s how social media users reacted:

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In their opening Premier League match of the season, the Red Devils welcome Brighton to Old Trafford. However, star player Ronaldo has been forced to play behind Christian Eriksen as a replacement. 

The Portuguese attacker had publicly expressed his desire to leave the team this summer in order to play in the Champions League after United’s disappointing season saw them eliminated from the Europa League. Ronaldo’s decision to leave Old Trafford before the completion of United’s final friendly after being taken off was deemed “unacceptable” by the Dutch.

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Many ManU players and former players including Alex Ferguson and Anthony Martial (who is currently injured) were seen at the Old Trafford to witness the opener. This is the first game of Erik ten Hag as Manchester United’s coach in the Premier League. 

Manchester United starting XI:

David De Gea, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Christian Eriksen, Fred, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford.

Substitutes: Tom Heaton, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Tyrell Malacia, James Garner, Donny Van de Beek, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Elanga, Cristiano Ronaldo.

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United got off to a horror start as they conceded two goals in their home ground in the first half of the game thanks to twin strikes by Pascal Gross in the 30th and 39th minutes of the game. They were booed off by the home fans. Early on, Bruno Fernandes wasted a clear-cut opportunity, but overall Brighton was the more polished team.