Manchester United beat Tottenham 2-0, but the focus is on a substitute: Cristiano Ronaldo. His escape caused criticism and fits into the picture of his weak season so far.
Cristiano Ronaldo usually has a heart for children, the Manchester United football star has five of his own.
But when some younger fans held out their hands to him on Wednesday evening in the hope that Ronaldo would high-five them, the 37-year-old studiously ignored the youngsters. Ronaldo was really frustrated because coach Erik ten Hag hadn’t even substituted him in the Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur (2-0). Just before the final whistle, he trudged into the Old Trafford dressing room, past the fans, looking down – and without consulting ten Hag. A scandal. And a topic that repeatedly causes unrest in the English record champions.
“Not very professional”
The reactions followed promptly, including numerous ex-professionals such as former England internationals Michael Owen and Gary Lineker. “It’s not very professional,” criticized Owen, who nevertheless showed understanding: He could understand Ronaldo’s frustration, “it must be difficult for him”. Lineker chose more drastic words: “I’m sorry, but that’s unacceptable, that’s so pathetic,” said the TV expert about Ronaldo’s escape.
Head coach ten Hag avoided the explosive topic after the game. “I’ll deal with that tomorrow, not today. Now we’re celebrating this win,” said the 52-year-old. “I saw him, but I didn’t speak to him.”
The big question is whether speaking out helps. The coach and his player seem to have too different ideas about Ronaldo’s role. The five-time Champions League winner was determined to leave the club in the summer. Because ten Hag relies on team players who should also run a lot in the game against the ball. Ronaldo, meanwhile, likes to take breaks to shine in attacks. But he is no longer the goal machine he once embodied at Juventus Turin (134 competitive games/101 goals) or Real Madrid (438/450). And ten Hag is not ready to submit his system to an aging (ex) exceptional player.
Terrifying record under ten Hag
Ronaldo’s record under ten Hag reads frighteningly. Only once this season has he been allowed to play the full 90 minutes – in the embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Brentford on Matchday 2. After twelve matchdays he has only scored once and has not prepared a goal yet. Ronaldo owes the fact that fans continue to want to high five with him to his glorious past. Does he have a future in Manchester after his “escape”? more questionable than ever.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
