Ronaldo furious with Erik ten Hag’s criticism as relationship hits rock bottom

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Erik Ten Hag's relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo has hit rock bottom – just 96 hours before Manchester United kick off their new season.

Ronaldo is said to be "furious" Ten Hag has decided to publicly criticise him for leaving last weekend's friendly against Rayo Vallecano early – and is now more determined than ever to find a new club.

Ten Hag labelled Ronaldo's behaviour 'unacceptable' after he left Old Trafford before the 1-1 draw had finished having been hauled off at half time.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo set for humiliating stint on Man Utd's bench for start of season

Despite United refusing to sanction the £500,000-a-week superstar, Ten Hag was not impressed and blasted Ronaldo's behaviour. He said: "I certainly don't condone this. This is unacceptable. For everyone. We are a team and you have to stay until the end."

The criticism could be the final straw for Ronaldo, who has made it clear to United bosses he wants to leave and find a club that can offer him Champions League football.

United have refused to sell Ronaldo, who still has 12 months of his contract remaining and held showdown talks with club officials and his agent Jorge Mendes last week.

Mendes has asked United to make Ronaldo a financial offer regarding what he's owed, but nothing has been forthcoming. Tensions between the club and player have been simmering ever since Ronaldo failed to report back to pre-season training and missed the club's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.

Ronaldo, who didn't approve of Ten Hag's appointment in the first place, was given time off for personal reasons and remained in Lisbon.

And the latest fall-out will cast a huge shadow over Ten Hag's final preparations for United's opening Premier League game at home to Brighton on Sunday.

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  • Manchester United FC
  • Cristiano Ronaldo
  • Erik ten Hag
  • Premier League

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