Asked at a press conference if the Portuguese had refused to enter the game as a substitute against Tottenham, Ten Hag tersely replied “yes”.
“What happened in the conversation is something between Cristiano and me. The club’s statement is equally clear”explained the Dutch coach, who will not take him into account for the next match against Chelsea.
Despite United’s convincing victory against Spurs at Old Trafford, the talk of the game was Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the substitutes’ bench before the final whistle, as the 37-year-old forward made his way to the dressing room tunnel before the end of the match and left the stadium in a hurry.
Manchester United announced on Thursday that the player had not been called up for Saturday’s game after his fit of rage.
Shortly after, Ronaldo recognized his mistake and reduced the tension. “I think I have to keep working hard at Carrington (team training center), supporting my teammates and being ready for anything in every game. Giving in to pressure is not an option,” he wrote on Instagram.
Ten Hag, who arrived at United in the European summer, assured that Ronaldo “remains an important element of the team” despite his desire to leave during the July and August transfer window.
The Portuguese was one of the club players to leave before the end of a friendly against Rayo Vallecano in July at Old Trafford, which already led Ten Hag to point out the importance of players staying behind to support their teammates. .
“After what happened against Rayo Vallecano I said it was unacceptable but he wasn’t the only one. This is for everyone,” explained the former Ajax coach. “When it’s the second time, it has consequences. It’s what we’ve done. We’ll miss him tomorrow (Saturday),” he said.
“But I think it’s important for the attitude and mentality of the group. Now we have to focus on Chelsea and that’s the most important thing,” Ten Hag concluded.
Source: Ambito
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