Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, said Cristiano Ronaldo turned down a substitute appearance against Tottenham on Wednesday and stated that there “needs to be repercussions.”
In the 89th minute of United’s 2-0 victory, Ronaldo, 37, got up from the bench and walked down the tunnel before the game’s end.
He exercises by himself after being benched for Saturday’s game against Chelsea.
When asked explicitly whether Ronaldo declined to start, Ten Hag said, “Yes.”
When the Portugal international departed Old Trafford early during a preseason friendly against Rayo Vallecano after being replaced at halftime, Ten Hag lectured him about his behavior. He felt compelled to take action this time.
“Since I am the manager, I am in charge of this workplace’s culture. I have to govern them by establishing rules and ideals. We work as a group, “said Ten Hag.
“I declared it intolerable after Rayo Vallecano, but it wasn’t only him. Consequences must follow the second offense. That’s what has taken place.
We will miss him tomorrow, which will be a loss for the team, but it is crucial for the team’s mindset and mentality right now since Chelsea is our priority.
Ten Hag said earlier this month that his decision not to substitute Ronaldo during the loss at Manchester City was motivated by respect for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in response to allegations made by former United captain Roy Keane.
READ MORE: West Indies Knocked Out Of T20 World Cup
Ten Hag said that when he discussed taking over for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager, he went through his expectations for his players with United.
It is known that the United leadership fully supports the former Ajax coach.
“We must live them,” he continued, “to obtain top sport culture and establish the best standards.” “That is what we are now doing. It is not a project that can be completed in a few weeks. It requires time.
“Cristiano had a successful career. It is just amazing. However, he must be aware that judgments are made based only on how you are doing right now, not on your reputation or age.”
On Sunday, when preparations for the Europa League group match against Moldovan team Sherrif Tiraspol get underway, Ten Hag wants Ronaldo back in the mix.
Ronaldo’s contract ends after the current campaign, but he may move during the January transfer window if a reasonable offer is made.
The Match of the Day host Gary Lineker referred to Ronaldo’s behavior as “awful,” Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel stated this was the first time he had been “disappointed” in the star.
On Thursday, Ronaldo said that “the heat of the moment” had gotten to him, but he refrained from offering an apology.
He has only managed one goal in eight Premier League games this season. He also expressed annoyance at being replaced in Sunday’s scoreless home tie with Newcastle.
Ten Hag promised his players wouldn’t be distracted by this week’s controversy before United’s game against Chelsea on Saturday at Stamford Bridge. United is just one point behind Chelsea in fifth place.
It’s a must to play professional football, he remarked.
There are rumors and hubbubs, but you must not be sidetracked; you must go on with your work and achieve the goal.