The manager of Manchester United, the Dutchman Erik ten Hag, revealed this Friday that the star Cristiano Ronaldo refused to enter in the second half of the match that his team beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0, and ensured that that decision of the Portuguese will bring “consequences”.
Asked at a press conference if CR7 had refused to enter the game as a substitute against Tottenham, Ten Hag tersely replied “yes”. “What happened in the conversation is something between Cristiano and me. The club’s statement is equally clear.” explained the Dutch coach, who will not take him into account for the next match against Chelsea.
Despite United’s convincing victory against Spurs at Old Trafford, the commentary on the match was the abandonment of the bench by the Portuguese before the final whistleas the 37-year-old striker went to the locker room tunnel a couple of minutes before the end of the game and hurriedly left the stadium.
Manchester United announced on Thursday that the player had not been called up for Saturday’s game after his fit of rage. Shortly after, Ronaldo recognized his mistake and reduced the tension. “I think I have to keep working hard at Carrington (team training centre), supporting my teammates and being ready for anything in every game. Giving in to pressure is not an option.” wrote on Instagram.
Ten Hag, who arrived at United in the European summer, assured that Ronaldo “remains an important element of the team” despite their desire to go out during the July and August market. The Portuguese was one of the club players who left before the end of the match a friendly against Rayo Vallecano in July at Old Trafford, which has already led Ten Hag to point out the importance of players sticking around to support their teammates.
“After what happened against Rayo Vallecano I said that it was unacceptable but it was not the only one. This is for everyone, -explained the former Ajax coach- When it’s the second time, it has consequences. It is what we have done. We will miss you”, affirmed the Dutchman, who also justified his decision. “I think it’s important for the attitude and mentality of the group. Now we must concentrate on Chelsea and that is the most important thing,” concluded Ten Hag.
