Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag sets condition for Cristiano Ronaldo return
Erik ten Hag to 'deal with' Ronaldo early exit down tunnel
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Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo will learn his fate today after showdown talks with Erik ten Hag, according to reports. The Portugal international was recently punished by his manager after throwing a strop in his side’s 2-0 win over Tottenham. He consequently was absent as the Red Devils drew 1-1 with Chelsea on Sunday, and his long-term future is up in the air.
Manchester United have seen Ronaldo’s anger start to boil over ever since he was denied a move away back in the summer transfer window.
The Portugal international has started just two games so far this season, with the Red Devils unable to win either against Brentford and Newcastle.
On Wednesday, Ronaldo made the headlines when he stormed down the tunnel in the closing stages of his side’s 2-0 win over Tottenham – with the player then punished by Ten Hag in the aftermath.
According to the Mirror, Ronaldo will learn his fate on Monday after showdown talks with his manager.
The Portugal international was missing from the squad for the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Saturday night, with Casemiro securing a point for his side following a penalty from Jorginho.
Before reintegrating the veteran back into his side, it’s claimed Ten Hag wants to see ‘genuine contrition’ from his No 7.
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Ronaldo issued a statement in the wake of his Tottenham tantrum, saying on social media: “As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches.
“That hasn’t changed. I haven’t changed. I’m the same person and the same professional that I’ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision making process.
“I started very young, the older and most experienced players examples were always very important to me.
“Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented.
“Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment get’s the best of us.
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“Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game.
“Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again.”
But while Ronaldo recognised he overreacted in the ‘heat of the moment’, he still stopped short of actually apologising.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens next, with Ten Hag still adamant the former Juventus and Real Madrid star can be an important asset going forward.
Yet, privately, his stance is different.
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Ten Hag is willing to cut Ronaldo loose in January, providing a suitable offer arrives.
And there’s a sense his second spell at United, one that promised so much, is now drawing to a close.
Speaking before United’s draw with Chelsea, meanwhile, Roy Keane expressed a belief Ronaldo had ‘had enough’ of being stuck on the bench at Old Trafford.
“He [Ten Hag] is disappointed Ronaldo didn’t want to go on,” he said on Sky Sports. “Walking down the tunnel, he’s been punished. He’s had enough, he’s lost his head.
“It’s been brewing for the last few weeks. He’s a human being, he’s got flaws, he’s frustrated he’s not got opportunities, he’s had enough.
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“He’s walked down the tunnel, players have done worse at Man United.
“United’s best performance in years? Absolute rubbish, Spurs were terrible. United beat Spurs last year at home and Ronaldo got a hat-trick. He was more than capable of getting onto the pitch and making a difference.
“He has to take his punishment. I still think Ronaldo, his behaviour over the last week, he refused to go on, I’d be more worried if Ronaldo was laughing his head off. I think he cares, he cares about the club, he wants to play, he needs to play.
“He’s the leading goalscorer for Man United last season. A bad Man United team, but still their leading goalscorer.
“Late in the game, two or three minutes to go, not too sure that was a clever move. He’s got to take his medicine. Back for Manchester United before the World Cup? I don’t see it.”
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