Things are looking fairly promising for Manchester United at the moment. Despite suffering a disastrous start to the campaign and then suffering a setback against Manchester City, it is clear that the team is progressing under Erik ten Hag.
Last night's victory over Spurs was arguably the best evidence so far of his impact at the club. The home team were completely dominant at Old Trafford, especially in the second half. They outplayed Antonio Conte's side in every aspect of the game, although it was admittedly a particularly passive showing from a side who are hardly known for taking games by the scruff of the neck.
Still, it is clear that Manchester United are steadily travelling in the right direction.
Of course, this has largely been done without Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star has been a bit-part player this season, with his start against Newcastle at the weekend his first in the league since August. It is probably not a coincidence that that particular fixture also marked one of the side's poorer performances in recent weeks.
The 37-year old was left on the bench for the entirety of last night's game, making his feelings known by marching down the tunnel before the final whistle.
Cristiano Ronaldo went down the tunnel at Old Trafford before final whistle. 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Erik ten Hag: “I will deal with that tomorrow, not today. We are now celebrating this victory”. pic.twitter.com/Ll4raQovL8— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 19, 2022
That has not gone down well with many, with some of the club's former players now turning against him.
Peter Schmeichel criticises Cristiano Ronaldo antics
It has been obvious for quite some time that Cristiano Ronaldo was not a good fit for Manchester United moving forward, even before ten Hag's appointment. Despite this, he has received plenty of support from other former United stars.
The likes of Roy Keane, Gary Neville, and Rio Ferdinand have been prominent voices in the media who have refused to criticise the Portuguese superstar. Patrice Evra even defended him on Amazon Prime last night after the match.
This is spot on from Patrice Evra 👌🏻💯 pic.twitter.com/AHIC9HBXIR
— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) October 19, 2022
It is clear why this has been the case.
Many of those pundits played with the player during his first spell in Manchester and have a huge amount of respect for his achievements in the game. As a result, they are willing to grant him far more leeway than they would give to others.
However, things could be set to change after his latest antics.
Having drawn headlines due to his reaction to being substituted against Newcastle, some are viewing his actions against Spurs last night as the final straw. That includes Peter Schmeichel, who admitted on BBC's Five Live earlier today that he is losing patience with Ronaldo.
Peter Schmeichel on Cristiano Ronaldo: "It's the first time I can say that I am disappointed with him. Normally I back him, I understand his situation — we don't need distractions like that, and that's a disappointment, I would say." [@5liveSport]
— utdreport (@utdreport) October 20, 2022
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...
Barring an injury crisis at the club, it seems highly unlikely that Cristiano Ronaldo will see his playing time increase in the near future. He is clearly not suited to the way Erik ten Hag wants his team to play, with his individualistic style an epitome of the issues that have plagued the team in the past.
This latest incident is likely only a sign of things to come from him, something the new manager could do without as he seeks to put a sustained run of good form together.
SEE ALSO: Support For Ronaldo Plummets After Leaving Old Trafford Before Full-Time
