Mikael Silvestre has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo should play more minutes even if data shows Manchester United are better without him in the team.
Ronaldo has been mostly limited to substitutes appearances under Erik ten Hag in the Premier League, scoring once across nine top-flight games this term.
He was recently punished over disciplinary issues after he refused to come off the bench in United’s 2-0 win against Tottenham and stormed off down the tunnel.
The 37-year-old Portugal international was heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford in the summer and could depart when the window reopens in January.
Former United defender Silvestre, though, feels Ronaldo should be handed more game time by Ten Hag.
When told that data suggests United are winning more games, covering more distance and averaging more points with Ronaldo out of the side, 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 preparing a January bid for Ronaldo but United must pay part of his wages.
Sporting boss Ruben Amorim revealed last week that the club are ‘dreaming’ about re-signing Ronaldo.
Chelsea also remain interested in bringing Ronaldo to Stamford Bridge in the January window.
United, meanwhile, are in Europa League action on Thursday night as they face Real Sociedad and take on Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
MORE : Gary Neville hits back at Cristiano Ronaldo after Old Trafford snub
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