Cristiano Ronaldo took to his Instagram page to announce that he is back in training after coach Erik ten Hag suspended him.
The 38-year-old Portuguese football icon is attempting to win over Erik ten Hag after the coach refused to start him against Tottenham last week.
Recall that Cristiano Ronaldo was cut off from the team and didn’t play in the weekend match at Stamford Bridge as a punishment for walking away from Old Trafford when the match between United and Spurs was still ongoing.
However, after urgent discussions with his manager, the star’s situation is improving, and he may be in line to start against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday, October 27.
In an effort to persuade the crowd that he is ready for the fight, Ronaldo has also delivered a resolute message ahead of the game.
He posted on Instagram a photo of himself working out along with the caption: “Back on track, with the same commitment and dedication as always!”
He embellished his post with a muscle emoji. Georgina Rodriquez, his partner, replied favorably and stated:”With the same light, the one that no one will be able to turn off. Let’s continue!”
In an effort to get past the scandal, Ten Hag re-inducted Ronaldo into the team after he missed the trip to Chelsea.
Ten Hag declared: “It’s not difficult. But we said everything and we answered all the questions, he was out for one game and is back in the squad as usual.”
“We will not answer anymore, so all the questions, I think, everything we explained and we have to focus on the game.”
“We have an important game because we want to be number one in the group.“
“I don’t have to do it anymore, it’s done, he’s back, focus on the game, that’s important that Cristiano is involved.”
Meanwhile, Raphael Varane, a France international, will not play before the World Cup owing to a hamstring injury he sustained at Chelsea, thereby ruling him out of the Europa League match.
Ronaldo, though, will be involved, according to United’s manager.
Harry Maguire, who has been sidelined due to injury since the international break, has resumed full training and will play tonight.
What happened between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag?
Prior to the striker departing early during Wednesday’s triumph, Erik ten Hag confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo had turned down the opportunity to enter as a late substitute against Tottenham.
When a player ignores his team or coach, it’s never a good indication, and it’s much worse when that player is one of the all-time greats.
Ronaldo was benched by Manchester United’s manager for last Saturday’s trip to Chelsea as retaliation for the player leaving early during Tottenham’s match and also during a preseason friendly against Rayo Vallecano.
Ten Hag confirmed claims that Ronaldo declined to start the game during his pre-game press conference and said: “What (happened in) the talk is between Cristiano and me. The (club) statement is also clear.”
“I am the manager, I’m responsible for the top sport culture here and I have to set standards and values, and I have to control them. We are in a team.”
“After Rayo Vallecano I said it’s unacceptable but he wasn’t the only one. That is for everyone, when it’s the second time it will have consequence. That is now what we did. We’ll miss him tomorrow, it’s a miss for the squad but I think it’s important for the attitude, mentality for the group.”
What’s next for Ronaldo?
Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo are at odds after Erik ten Hag punished the star for his outburst at Tottenham by leaving him off the team for Saturday’s game against Chelsea.
When the January transfer window opens, Ronaldo and Ten Hag may call it quits. However, despite his status in the game, it’s unclear whether the 37-year-old will find a suitable buyer.
Ronaldo will probably be anxious to join a team in the Champions League if his stint at United is about to come to an end.
That was his goal when he attempted to pull off a move after United missed out on the competition the previous season.
If Ronaldo is willing to take a significant wage reduction, Sporting Lisbon, the Portuguese club where he began his professional career, would be interested.
Ronaldo would become more appealing if United were willing to rip up the remaining portion of his contract, which expires at the conclusion of this season.
This is because a transfer fee would no longer be a factor.
