'I'd be surprised if we see him again' - Twitter reacts to Ten Hag’s Ronaldo rebuke
Daniel Edwards
- Updated: 3 Aug 2022 17:50 BST
- 6 min read
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has laid down the law to Cristiano Ronaldo.
The veteran striker caused a stir on Sunday after making his first appearance of the pre-season against Spanish side Rayo.
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After coming off at half-time, however, Ronaldo chose not to stay for the rest of the match, and left early with Diogo Dalot.
United eventually drew 1-1 with the La Liga side, but all eyes were on Ronaldo after his premature exit from Old Trafford, drawing strong criticism at a time where his future at the club seems less than certain.
Now Ten Hag has added his own voice to those disappointed with the ex-Real Madrid and Juventus ace's conduct.
'This is unacceptable'
Asked by Viaplay Sport if he accepted such behaviour, the manager replied: "Definitely not. I certainly don't condone this.
"This is unacceptable. For everyone. We are a team and you have to stay until the end."
Ten Hag's response appears to contradict the official United stance, which suggested the team did not have an issue with Ronaldo leaving before full-time.
The stand-off has unsurprisingly caused no little reaction in the world of football, with social media abuzz with opinions on both sides of the divide.
Plenty have leapt to Ten Hag's defence as he prepares for the start of the season, while others believe that a player of Ronaldo's calibre deserves the benefit of the doubt...
Ten Hag publicly saying Ronaldo leaving the friendly early was unacceptable is very strong management.
He’s laying down the marker that no player is bigger than the club, I’d be very surprised if we see Ronaldo again now.— Alexei (@MUFC_redarmy99) August 3, 2022
Ten Hag unsurprisingly slams players leaving early. Man United briefed it was signed off by the manager. The club are literally covering Ronaldo’s tracks now. This summer should be all about a new beginning under a world class coach, but it’s the superstar taking the headlines.
— Jacque Talbot (@jac_talbot) August 3, 2022
Absolutely love Erik ten Hag calling out Ronaldo leaving early. Player power must end at #MUFC.
The manager should set the tone and the players must fall into line and follow.
Nobody should be bigger than the team. But players have been for too long.— Scott Saunders (@_scottsaunders) August 3, 2022
That Ten Hag statement that players leaving early with Ronaldo is unacceptable is stunning! It was confirmed by club sources they had permission and there was no issue. Now this. Fits in with the rumour that the club privately want Ronaldo out. What a mess
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) August 3, 2022
If Ronaldo stays he is not going to loom over the United manager as he did last season. Ten Hag is communicating concisely and clear from observing him and speaking to players he is not fazed by the dressing room. Authority has been restored to #mufc manager's role.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) August 3, 2022
Erik ten Hag is not going to be subservient to Cristiano Ronaldo or any player at #MUFC. He's the most important person at our club & he's managing like he is. Fantastic. It's what we need. How dare those players leave at half-time. If you don't want to be with us, you can go. pic.twitter.com/rLW4BUTBBQ
— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) August 3, 2022
Some serious bollocks has been said in this last week RE Ronaldo. Lots defending his actions still, so many seemingly fans of Ronaldo first and United second.
Very glad Ten Hag has come out and said he didn't condone it and considers it unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/sz99awXng8— United Peoples TV (@UnitedPeoplesTV) August 3, 2022
I knew as soon as Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the team it'd turn into a circus.
— Paddy (@OddsOnFPL) August 3, 2022
It is interesting the patience #MUFC fans continue to show Cristiano Ronaldo, despite him asking to leave, refusing to report for pre-season training and then leaving a game early without permission. He is treating the club with disrespect but no major fan backlash yet.
— Sam Pilger (@sampilger) August 3, 2022
