Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to first-team training after the club banished him from the squad following a fallout with the manager, Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo angrily stormed out of Old Trafford, refusing to come on in Manchester United’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur.
His action spurned reactions from pundits and fans, who seemed to take a swipe at the manner in which he left the squad before the game ended.
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag refused to dwell on the incident but said he will “deal with” Ronaldo the next day.
At Carrington after the Tottenham game, Ronaldo was fined and banished from first-team training due to his unacceptable reaction during the game.
Erik Ten Hag asserted that there must be consequences for Ronaldo’s angry stadium exit after he warned him and others previously following a similar incident during the Rayo Vallecano preseason game.
Against the wish of other members of the Man United hierarchy, Erik Ten Hag banned Ronaldo from first-team training and also axed off the player in Manchester United’s next game against Chelsea.
Reacting to his plight and punishment meted out by the club, Ronaldo took to his social media handle to pen down a lengthy statement of apology, hoping to return to the team soon.
He made it clear that he has always played respectfully, even against his adversaries, since he started his career, and that has not changed.
He added that he had always lived by example, working with players that are older than him by showing respect to them.
However, sometimes he may be overwhelmed by the heat of the moments, but he is ready to cooperate and work with the team.
Erik Ten Hag had maintained that Cristiano Ronaldo must serve his ban as a deterrent for others.
However, the duo had been in dialogue after the incident, with a meeting between the two on Tuesday resulting in the ban being lifted.
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to first-team training and was spotted training with his teammates ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League clash against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday, October 27.
Ten Hag feels Ronaldo has served his punishment and wants to move forward, with the whole group pulling in the same direction.
The former Ajax manager is currently focusing on the Europa League return-leg clash against the Moldovian heavyweights.
The way forward for Cristiano Ronaldo
The angry outburst by Ronaldo at Old Trafford is a clue to deep-seated disdain and conflict between the Portuguese star and Erik Ten Hag.
There are reports of training ground collisions between the 37-year-old and the new Manchester United manager.
Ronaldo was said to have been openly critical of the stubborn style and tactics of Erik Ten Hag after Manchester United’s 6-3 defeat to Manchester City in the Manchester Derby.
It is obvious that he is having a difficult time at Old Trafford under Erik Ten Hag.
Despite returning back to first team training, Ronaldo might not make it to Erik Ten Hag’s starting lineup.
Collisions are still expected if he prefers starting the highly-rated forward from the bench.
Cristobal Ronaldo is reportedly set for a January exit as the only possible remedy for his deteriorating situation at Old Trafford.
