Erik Ten Hag admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo was pissed off about his lack of playing time but insisted the Portuguese star was happy at Old Trafford.

Since the Dutch manager's arrival, Ronaldo had to settle for a bench role this season — so far he only started against Brentford in the Premier League, and Real Sociedad and Sheriff in the UEFA Europa League.

The Manchester United star, expected to return to the starting line-up against Omonia Nicosia on Thursday, was also not involved in his side's 6-3 trashing by Manchester City.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of the Europa League clash, Ten Hag said Ronaldo, who reportedly tried to leave the club during the summer, was still committed in training despite the latter's disappointment.

"I don't see that he is unhappy. He is happy, he is training well and he is enjoying," said the Red Devils boss.

"He's not happy that he didn't play Sunday, don't get me wrong, but the question was about his mood in training, where he's happy. Of course, he wants to play and he's pissed off when he's not playing."

Ten Hag also defended his decision to keep Ronaldo on the bench against Manchester City.

"I can't see that relation, that he's not coming when we're 4-0, 5-1, 6-1 down, I didn't bring him out of respect.

"It's nothing to do with what's happening for the future or January or next year," he added.