The game is still on, but Ronaldo is leaving
Quelle: IMAGO/Shutterstock/Matt West
Manchester United wins Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur. Without Cristiano Ronaldo, who once again only sits on the bench. There he makes a decision that must have consequences.
FSoccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has caused another uproar over his frustrating bank role at Manchester United. The 37-year-old Portuguese disappeared into the players’ tunnel at Old Trafford before the final whistle in the Red Devils’ convincing 2-0 home win against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Wednesday.
It happened just before the end of regular time, when coach Erik ten Hag could have made two more substitutions. Several English media reported unanimously on this.
A team player cannot show more clearly that his own well-being is more important to him than that of the group. Ronaldo went over the top at that moment. Gary Lineker sees it that way too. The former international and today’s TV expert found clear words after the Tottenham game: “I’m sorry, but that’s unacceptable, that’s so pathetic,” he said.
“I’ll deal with that tomorrow,” says Ten Hag
Ten Hag will have to react to this incident, he didn’t do it on matchday. “I’ll deal with that tomorrow, not today. Now we’re celebrating this victory,” said the Dutchman about Ronaldo’s disrespectful behavior: “I saw him, but I didn’t speak to him.” He didn’t do it on the day of the game itself.
Dissatisfied: Cristiano Ronaldo
What: AP/Dave Thompson
For weeks, the offensive star, who under ten Hag can hardly get beyond the role of the bank player, has been openly showing his frustration. Most recently when he was substituted against Newcastle United (0-0). In the Premier League he was only twice in the starting XI this season, most recently he was allowed to play in the Europa League and also scored there. But appearances in the second-class European Cup are of course not the claim of a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Ronaldo had already wanted to leave Manchester in the summer and was offered by his agent to several clubs, including FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund. At that time, the desire to change came mainly from the player because he really wanted to play in the Champions League.
Now it looks as if United should have nothing against an exit. Recently there have already been reports of an internal decision that Ronaldo should be sold in winter. The problem might be finding a buyer for the outrageously expensive player.
