"A bunch of clowns!" - Twitter reacts to Ronaldo being Man Utd captain

FT Desk

• Updated: 6 Nov 2022 13:44 GMT
• 6 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo was named as Manchester United captain against Aston Villa on Sunday, just a matter of weeks after storming home early after refusing to come off the bench.

Ronaldo is a United legend, one who has scored 145 goals across two spells at the club, winning three Premier Leagues and a Champions league in during his first stay.

But he has been relegated to a bit-part role under Erik ten Hag this season and stormed home early after being asked to come off the bench late on in United's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last month.

READ: How Ferguson could smooth Ronaldo's Man Utd exit

The Portuguese is widely expected to leave United in January, with Atletico Madrid and David Beckham's Inter Miami reportedly at the front of the queue to sign him. It wasn't even certain he would start against Villa, let alone lead the Red Devils out.

Ten Hag: 'Nothing has changed'

"Nothing changed, when you're captain you have to set an example and that's what I expect from him," Ten Hag said of his decision. "He's an important part of the squad, we're happy with him. Now he has to take on even more of the leader role."

It's fair to say the decision was met by a mixed reaction on Twitter, with some describing the club clowns, while others were rather more upbeat.