Reactions Trail Ronaldo’s Early Exit Before Full Time
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he will deal with Cristiano Ronaldo after the unused substitute walked down the tunnel minutes before the end of the win over Tottenham.
Ronaldo, 37, left in the 89th minute, shortly after Ten Hag brought on Christian Eriksen and Anthony Elanga.
Hag said; “I will deal with that tomorrow, not today. We are now celebrating this victory,I have seen him, but I haven’t spoken with him.”
Despite United having only made three of their five permitted substitutions in Wednesday’s 2-0 home win, Ronaldo decided to leave the bench early and disappeared down the Old Trafford tunnel.
It came three days after he showed his displeasure at being substituted against Newcastle.
After Sunday’s 0-0 draw Ten Hag said he had “no problem” with Ronaldo’s negative reaction, but added that the Portuguese must convince him “he has to stay on.”
England former strike, Gary Lineker said; ”Ronaldo’s behaviour unnecessarily took attention from United’s performance against Spurs.”
“I’m sorry, that is unacceptable – it is so poor,” Lineker said on Wednesday’s Match of the Day.
Pundits Ashley Williams and Micah Richards agreed with Lineker.
“For one of the greats of the game to do that when your team are winning, making it about him, is disappointing,” England former defender Richards said.
Ex-Wales captain Williams added; “It was a great night for Manchester United and here we are again talking about Cristiano Ronaldo – even though he didn’t play.”
Manchester United ex goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel said Ronaldo would have been aware such behaviour would create “headlines.”
Schmeichel said; “It’s the first time I can say that I am disappointed with him. Normally I back him, I understand his situation.
“We are in transition. Manchester United are now five managers down the road since Alex Ferguson.
“We have got Erik ten Hag in now who has very clear ideas about the way he wants to play football. We need understanding and time from everyone.
“We don’t need distractions like that, and that’s a disappointment, I would say.”
BBC/Samuel Isaiah
