Cristiano Ronaldo should have started for Manchester United in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Everton, Sir Alex Ferguson has stated.

While speaking to retired UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov after the match, former United manager Ferguson was filmed saying “you should always start with your best players”.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left Ronaldo on the bench until the 57th minute of Saturday’s game, instead handing Edinson Cavani a first start of the season.

Ronaldo failed to make his mark on the game, however, with United surrendering their 1-0 lead eight minutes after the introduction of the 36-year-old as Andros Townsend equalised for Everton.

And after the match, Ferguson was filmed talking about the impact of Ronaldo being left on the bench to Nurmagomedov.

“I also think that when they (Everton) saw Ronaldo wasn’t playing…,” Ferguson says.

The Russian United fan then interjects, “He came on in the second half.” To which Ferguson replies, “I know, but you should always start with your best players.”

Ronaldo has made a strong start after rejoining United from Juventus in the summer, scoring six goals in seven appearances.

United have, though, struggled for form in recent weeks, winning only one of their last four matches heading into the international break. They needed a last-minute winner from Ronaldo against Villarreal to secure that victory last Wednesday.