Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived at Manchester United training ground for showdown talks with his manager Erik ten Hag after storming down the tunnel before the full-time whistle in his side’s 2-0 win against Tottenham on Wednesday October 19.
The Portuguese forward was surprisingly left out of Erik ten Hag’s team for the game at Old Trafford after starting United’s previous two matches.
Ten Hag’s selection paid off as United picked up a comprehensive victory through goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes.
However, Ronaldo was in no mood to celebrate the victory after it became clear that he was going to be an unused substitute. He left the bench and walked up the tunnel as the game moved into stoppage time.
Following the match, ten Hag was asked about Ronaldo’s behaviour and vowed to deal with the matter on Thursday.
‘I have seen him, but I didn’t speak to him. I will deal with that tomorrow, not today. We are celebrating this victory,’ he told reporters.
‘I don’t pay attention today. I will deal with it tomorrow. I want to keep the focus on the team and a magnificent performance from all 11 players and the subs who came on. It was a squad performance.’
This is not the first time that Ronaldo’s actions have been called into question this season.
The 37-year-old left Old Trafford early during a pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano in July after being substituted at halftime. He also failed to hide his frustration when he was substituted in the second half of United’s goalless draw with Newcastle on Sunday.
Ten Hag later spoke about his display, saying he did not have a problem with Ronaldo’s angry reaction to coming off in that game.
‘No player is happy when he comes off, especially not Ronaldo, I understand that. As long as it’s in a quiet normal way, no problem with that,’ he said.
‘Of course, he is convinced he should stay on and should score a goal, that is why he’s that good.’
