Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, said that Cristiano Ronaldo turned down a substitute appearance against Tottenham on Wednesday and stated that there “needs to be consequences.”
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 is exercising by himself after being benched for Saturday’s game against Chelsea.
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When asked explicitly if Ronaldo declined to start, Ten Hag responded, “Yes.”
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, said that Cristiano Ronaldo turned down a substitute appearance against Tottenham on Wednesday and stated that there “needs to be consequences.”
“The talk is between Cristiano and me. The statement is clear. It is also in the statement that he remains an important part of the squad,” Ten Hag said.
“I am the manager, I am responsible for the culture here. I have to set standards and values and have to control them. We are in a team.
“After Rayo Vallecano, I said it was unacceptable, but it wasn’t just him. The second time there has to be consequences. That is what has happened.
“We miss him tomorrow, that is a miss for us and the squad, but I think it is important for the attitude and mentality of the group and now we have to focus on Chelsea – that is the most important.”
Ronaldo’s actions have been widely criticised, with Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker calling them “unacceptable” while former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said this was the first time he had been “disappointed” in the player.
On Thursday, Ronaldo said “the heat of the moment” had got to him, though he stopped short of apologising.
He has scored just one goal in eight Premier League appearances this season, and also showed his displeasure at being substituted in Sunday’s 0-0 home draw with Newcastle.
United go into Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge just one point behind Chelsea in fifth and Ten Hag said his players would not be distracted by this week’s drama.
“It’s part of playing in top football,” he said.
“There are rumours and noise and you can’t get distracted, you have to remain on the job and get the result.”