Manchester United drop Cristiano Ronaldo from Chelsea game squad

After early departure from the stadium

Cristiano Ronaldo usually has a heart for children, the Manchester United star has five of his own. But when some younger fans held out their hands to him on Wednesday evening in the hope that Ronaldo would high-five them, the 37-year-old studiously ignored the youngsters. Shortly before the final whistle of the Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur (2-0), he trudged into the dressing room at Old Trafford, past the fans, looking down – and without consulting coach Erik ten Hag. Ronaldo was quite frustrated, according to the “Daily Mail” he should even have refused a substitution – a scandal. That has consequences.

As the English record champions announced on Thursday, Ronaldo is not part of the squad for the next Premier League game against Chelsea next Saturday (6:30 p.m.). There was no more precise justification or explanation. Head coach ten Hag avoided the explosive issue after the game. “I’ll deal with that tomorrow, not today. Now we’re celebrating this win,” said the 52-year-old on Wednesday evening. “I saw him, but I didn’t speak to him.”

The reactions followed promptly, including numerous ex-professionals such as former England internationals Michael Owen and Gary Lineker. “It’s not very professional,” criticized Owen, who nevertheless showed understanding: He could understand Ronaldo’s frustration, “it must be difficult for him”. Lineker chose more drastic words. “I’m sorry, but that’s unacceptable, that’s so pathetic,” said the TV expert about Ronaldo’s escape.

Ten Hag and his player seem to have too different ideas about Ronaldo’s role. The five-time Champions League winner wanted to leave Manchester in the summer. Because ten Hag relies on team players who should also run a lot in the game against the ball. Ronaldo, meanwhile, likes to take breaks to shine in attacks. But he is no longer the goal machine he once embodied at Juventus Turin (134 competitive games/101 goals) or Real Madrid (438/450). And ten Hag is not ready to submit his system to an aging exceptional player.

Ronaldo’s record under ten Hag at Manchester United reads frighteningly

Ronaldo’s record under ten Hag reads frighteningly. He was only allowed to play the full 90 minutes once this season – in the embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Brentford on Matchday 2. After twelve matchdays he has only scored once and has not prepared a goal yet. Ronaldo owes the fact that fans continue to want to high five with him to his glorious past. Does he have a future in Manchester after his “escape”? More questionable than ever, his contract ends next summer.

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