Manager Erik ten Hag confirmed on Friday that Cristiano Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute during this week’s win against Tottenham, saying there had to be “consequences” for his behaviour.
Post-match talk following the impressive 2-0 victory over Spurs at Old Trafford on Wednesday has been dominated by the early exit of the 37-year-old Portuguese superstar.
Ronaldo headed down the tunnel before the final whistle and made a hasty departure from Old Trafford.
United announced on Thursday that the forward had been dropped from the squad for Saturday’s clash with Chelsea following his tantrum. Asked at his pre-match press conference whether Ronaldo had refused to come on a substitute against Spurs, Ten Hag said: “Yes.”
Ten Hag said: “What (happened in) the talk is between Cristiano and me. The (club) statement is also clear, I think.” But the Dutch manager, in his first season at Old Trafford, said Ronaldo “remains an important part of the squad.”—AFP
