Footage has emerged of the moments leading up to Cristiano Ronaldo’s refusal to come on as a substitute in Manchester United's victory over Spurs.
Ronaldo has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons over the past week, with his frustration getting the better of him when he stormed down the tunnel before the game ended when he failed to come on as a substitute.
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag made the decision to drop Ronaldo from the squad completely in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, with the debate continuing on Ronaldo’s relationship with the club.
Erik ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo have been in constant dialogue and there were no ‘showdown talks’ at Carrington today as the forward returned to training with the squad 🔴pic.twitter.com/UpyaI1XgHZ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 25, 2022
After a summer of speculation on whether or not Ronaldo would be a Manchester United player come September, the 37-year-old has found minutes hard to come by, with Ten Hag preferring to go with Marcus Rashford as striker.
When Ronaldo has played, his performances have been hugely underwhelming for a player that has achieved so much in the game. For the first time in his career, Ronaldo has to accept his role as a squad player, but his refusing to do so.
READ HERE: Watch: Roy Keane Gives Embarrassing Defence Of Cristiano Ronaldo Despite Spurs Antics
While he may not like it, Manchester United’s performances without him in the side have been hugely positive, as the squad have clearly bought into Ten Hag’s philosophy.
Last Wednesday’s win over Spurs was a clear example, and if it wasn’t for the heroic of Hugo Lloris, they would have scored four or five goals that night.
However, footage on social media has shown a frustrated figure in Ronaldo, who made little to no effort in warming up, while also congratulating Casemiro and Jaden Sancho who were subbed off.
So this is basically how the Ronaldo & Ten Hag situation unfolded then? pic.twitter.com/OKmNw1GrGq
— 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗴’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇳🇱 (@TenHagBalI) October 25, 2022
After looking visibly unhappy on the side line, Ronaldo walked won the tunnel without a word said to his teammates or manager.
What Manchester United, and indeed Ronaldo decide to do over the next few months is crucial, as this distraction cannot continue to make the headlines for his actions that will ultimately lead to a divide within the squad.
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