Erik ten Hag revealed that he believes Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Manchester United throughout the remainder of the season, despite having to axe the star from his squad.
The Dutch boss has poured cold water on reports Ronaldo could leave Old Trafford in January, but has said the Portugal captain must accept the ‘consequences’ after a series of touchline strops.
Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham was United’s best performance since Ten Hag’s appointmentRonaldo, however, made sure all the post-match chat would be dominated his after he had won. The tunnel was stormed by the groupBefore the full-time whistle was blown.
The 37-year old was apparently unhappy at being an ineffective substitute during the match. Ten Hag later admitted that he had in fact refused to go on the pitch.
Before the game was over, he stomped out from the United dugout. skipped his teammates’ celebrations by reportedly leaving the stadiumThey had not even gone back to their dressing rooms.
Ten Hag acted quickly. Ronaldo was removed from the matchday team for Saturday evening’s Premier League clash against Chelsea, and making him train on his own away from the main group as punishment.
That’s unlikely to have made Ronaldo’s mood any better, but Ten Hag has been keen to lay down the law in a message to CR7 and the rest of his team – that ‘bad behaviour’ will be punished.
“It is a difficult decision, it’s clear,” Ten Hag said ahead of the Chelsea game.
“But I think there has to be consequences for behaviour or when it’s bad behaviour and it’s the second time, then you can’t let it go because otherwise it is going to be miserable for the future.
“Then you have to take this measure which I don’t like it because I prefer the squad with Cristiano on board.
“It’s not about [showing who is in charge]. It’s about the club. I have to make decisions in the best interest of the club and team. That’s my job.
“It doesn’t matter who it is, reputation or age. Also with my line-up, I have to pick the team where I think we have the best chance to win.”
According to reports Ronaldo could be looking to leave United once again after the transfer window reopens January. After failing to secure an exit in summer,
Ten Hag did not want to talk about January signings and said ‘I count on Cristiano’, confirming he both thinks and wants the veteran to be at United for the remainder of the season.
“It’s for this game and then we continue,” he said. “I am open for that. That is for me, a strike.
“What we said in the statement we mean: Cristiano remains an important part of the squad and I count on him for the rest of the season. We want to fulfil our ambitions.”
Asked if his absence could go beyond Monday, the United boss said: “I don’t think so, no. This is not my purpose.
“What I said, I don’t want to miss him. I want him to be in the squad, I want him to get involved for every game because he has an impact.”
“We set certain standards but that is for any player.”
Ronaldo could be involved in United’s Europa League match against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday. The reaction from the stands will likely be less positive than usual.
After his exceptional first spell at Old Trafford, the 37-year old is a hero to Old Trafford’s faithful. However, his latest antics are unlikely have been well received.
Put to Ten Hag that a harsh reaction could welcome Ronaldo on his return, the Dutchman said: “I think [his popularity]He accomplished a lot during his career, so it is justifiable. I don’t have maybe to mention but it is so brilliant.
“But also he has to be aware you always get justified by the moment for how you are acting today.
“Especially I think in top sport it is about today – it is not about age, it not about reputation.
“You always when you do top sport, you get justified, you get judged by the moment and [how]Act. That’s normal.
“We have to be aware of it – everyone, not just Cristiano, has to be aware of it as a team, as a manager, as a club.”
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