Erik ten Hag slams ‘unacceptable’ Cristiano Ronaldo after player leaves Old Trafford early before the final whistle against Rayo Vallecano.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s request to leave the club last month, his future has dominated news stories this summer.
Ronaldo, 37, was left out of Erik ten Hag’s 31-man squad for the tour of Thailand and Australia shortly after the news of his wish to leave Old Trafford leaked. Ronaldo’s absence was reportedly due to family obligations.
Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford last week when he played the first half of United’s final summer friendly, a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano, ending weeks of nonstop rumors.
In his 45 minutes on the field, Ronaldo hardly spoke, but in a stunning move, he was seen departing Old Trafford before the game had ended.
Erik ten Hag has already criticized his star striker and other players who appeared to leave before the end of the game, calling their actions “inappropriate.”
“I categorically oppose this. This must change. for all people. We are a team, so you have to stick around till the end,” Ten Hag said, according to the Dutch news source AD.
Ten Hag’s retaliation may not make Ronaldo happy, but ultimately, his actions were wrong. The last thing United wants is a public fight, and Ten Hag will undoubtedly try to prevent that, but it might not be possible at this point.
While it is clear that Ronaldo was not the only player at fault last weekend, given his status and experience, one would hope that he would serve as an example for others. Sadly, it doesn’t appear that has taken place.
