The Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has warned Cristiano Ronaldo that he has to “convince” him.

Ten Hag started the 37-year-old against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday.

It is the first game Ronaldo has played since he was suspended for the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

Ronaldo was banished from first-team training after storming off the substitutes’ bench against Tottenham.

Ten Hag, speaking to BT Sport about Ronaldo’s return, said: “He doesn’t have to convince me [off the pitch], he has to convince me on the pitch."

“He is an important part of the squad and we have to play a role in all competitions."

“Today we need goals. We have to win. We want to be number one in the pool.”

On handing a first start to teenage forward Alejandro Garnacho, Ten Hag added: “He is reliable but also has a bit of the X-factor." He can outplay defenders and run behind.

“I have a front three, which is creative. We have a dynamic team today.

“It’s about winning the game. We want to score as many goals as possible, and then see if we can give players like Harry Maguire and Donny van de Beek minutes.”