Manchester United coach Eric Ten Hag confirmed this Cristiano Ronaldo He refused entry as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur.
Ronaldo was seen leaving the bench before the end of the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday and later left the pitch before Ten Hag and United’s team returned to the dressing room.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS and more (US)
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Ten Hag confirmed that Ronaldo refused to come as a late substitute in the game, prompting the coach to drop the 37-year-old from the squad to face Chelsea on Saturday.
Asked if Ronaldo refused to play as a substitute against Tottenham, Ten Hag replied: “Yes.”
Ten Hag added that Ronaldo had already been warned about his behavior after he was seen leaving Old Trafford before the end of a friendly match with Rayo Vallecano in July.
“I am the coach and I am responsible for the best sporting culture here and I have to set standards and values and I have to control them,” he added.
“We are a team and in the team, we have values and standards and I have to control that. After Rayo Vallecano, I said [him] That was unacceptable but it wasn’t the only one, but that’s for everyone so when it’s the second time, there will be consequences.
Ogden: Ronaldo spoils his legacy at Manchester United
“I sent a warning at the beginning of the season, next time there should be consequences. Football is a team sport and you have to meet certain standards. And I have to control it.”
Ronaldo trained alone with his fitness coaches on Friday and will not be part of the squad for the game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
He is expected to join the main group on Monday ahead of the Europa League match against FC Sheriff at Old Trafford on Thursday and Tin Hag said the Portugal forward remains an “important player”.
“Conversations are between me and Cristiano,” said Ten Hag, who will also be absent. Anthony Martial Against Chelsea as he continues to recover from a back injury.
“We’ll miss him tomorrow. It’s a loss for the team but that’s important for the behavior and mentality of the group and now we have to focus on Chelsea because that’s important. He’s still an important part of the team.”
“Student. Incurable problem solver. Amateur baconaholic. Introvert. Infuriatingly humble music fanatic.”