Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo declined to make a late substitution against Tottenham before the striker exited in the 89th minute during Wednesday’s triumph.
On July 31, 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo left the stadium before the final whistle during a friendly game between Manchester United and Rayo Vallecano. He did the same in a Premier League game against Tottenham on October 19.
As a punishment for leaving early during the Premier League game and the friendly match, Ronaldo will not feature for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.
Ten Hag confirmed claims that Ronaldo declined to play as a substitute 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.”
Despite the striker training alone on Friday, Ten Hag repeated the club’s claim that Ronaldo “remains an integral component of the squad.”
“I think it will be a reflection for him and also for everyone else,” said Ten Hag on what he hoped Ronaldo’s punishment would achieve. “I set a warning at the start of the season and the next time it has to be consequence. When you are living together, playing together, football is a team sport and you have to fulfil certain standards and I have to control it.”
What Happened At Totteham’s Match?
Cristiano Ronaldo, a star for Manchester United, was not at all pleased with his team’s victory over Tottenham since he was not involved in the game.
Erik ten Hag, discussed Cristiano Ronaldo’s late outburst during the team’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham on Wednesday.
The Red Devils earned all three points thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Fred. But in the last moments of the game, he stormed down the tunnel since he was not featured in the game on time.
Tottenham couldn’t compete with Manchester United in their Premier League matchup on Wednesday.
Soon after the break, Fred scored his team’s first goal when his deflected shot slipped past Hugo Lloris into goal.
And Fernandes secured the outcome in the last minutes by hitting a stunning goal to excite the home crowd.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, was absent for the contest’s closing seconds.
Ten Hag ignored the veteran, instead introducing Antony Elanga, and the veteran rushed out of the tunnel.
Exempted From Trip To Chelsea
After victory against Tottenham on Wednesday, Man United’s preparations for their trip to Chelsea were overshadowed by Ronaldo’s incident.
Ten Hag claims that their trip to Stamford Bridge has been their primary priority. He stated: “It’s about Chelsea, we have a big game to play, all my focus is on that game, all the focus from the staff and the focus from the players is on that game. We have to win that game and do everything we can, so we need full concentration to prepare for the game and play our best.”
“When you play in top football sometimes there are rumours and noise, you have to focus on the job and that is to perform tomorrow.”
What Ronaldo Said About Erik ten Hag And United
Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken out about Erik ten Hag’s decision to leave him out of Manchester United’s lineup for their match against Chelsea on October 22.
The 37-year-old future at Old Trafford is becoming more uncertain. However, he has stated that he will keep working hard and be available whenever needed.
The striker made a statement on his Instagram page that read: “As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches. That hasn’t changed. I haven’t changed.”
“I’m the same person and the same professional that I’ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision-making process,” Ronaldo added. “I started very young. The older and most experienced players’ examples were always very important to me.”
“Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible, and sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.”
“Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again.”
Despite his team defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0, the Portugal international left Old Trafford early.
Bruno Fernandes and Fred’s goals sealed a disheartening loss for Antonio Conte’s team, and he was an ineffective substitute.
In the summer, Ronaldo’s transfer to Chelsea was frequently mentioned.
The Blues began exploring a transfer in July because the star was ready to play in the Champions League.
West London was an option for Ronaldo. Potter is leaving his options open, so it’s unclear if the club will rekindle its interest in the Portuguese star this January.
