Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute against Spurs
New footage has emerged of an exchange between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag before the forward refused to come on as a substitute.
Ronaldo was named among the subs for Manchester United’s 2-0 win against Tottenham last week but made headlines after he refused to come on before leaving Old Trafford.
Ten Hag moved swiftly to punish the 37-year-old by making him train away from the first team and dropped him from the squad for their 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
Now new footage has emerged of the pair in discussion on the bench where Ronaldo appears to be making a finger-wagging gesture.
After the brief debate, the Portugal international can be seen leaving his seat to stand at the dug-out before speaking to Casemiro and Jadon Sancho and then proceeded to make his way down the tunnel.
So this is basically how the Ronaldo & Ten Hag situation unfolded then? https://t.co/OKmNw1GrGq
— 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗴’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇳🇱 (@TenHagBall_) October 25, 2022
The forward’s reaction has been met with differing opinions from Peter Schmeichel describing Ronaldo’s actions as an ‘unwanted distraction’ whereas Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand have strongly defended their former teammate.
During a heated post-match debate with Gary Neville he said: “He’s walked down the tunnel… I think players have done a lot worse things at Manchester United, it happens, it’s human nature.
“I still think Ronaldo’s behaviour over the last week… I’d be more worried if Ronaldo was sitting on the bench every week laughing his head off and not caring.”
Ronaldo has since returned to training with the first team and is reportedly in contention to face Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday.
Related links:
- Cristiano Ronaldo to hold talks with Erik ten Hag over Man United future
- Roy Keane could barely contain himself after one Gary Neville comment on Cristiano Ronaldo
- Roy Keane jumps to Cristiano Ronaldo’s defence after Man United walk-off
