Erik ten Hag said he will “deal with” Cristiano Ronaldo after the forward returned to the changing room before the end of Manchester United's 2-0 win over Tottenham.
Ronaldo’s behaviour has come under the spotlight this week, as the 37-year-old makes his feelings clear about not being a first-choice pick under the Dutch manager.
On Sunday, the striker shook his head and looked annoyed when he was substituted in the second half of a 0-0 draw with Newcastle.
Ten Hag later said he had no issue with the player, but Ronaldo’s strop against Spurs on Wednesday will get a reaction.
The Portugal international, who was left on the bench, walked down the tunnel at Old Trafford in the 89th minute after Ten Hag made a double change that didn’t involve him.
"I will deal with that tomorrow, not today. We are now celebrating this victory," Ten Hag said.
"I have seen him, but I haven't spoken with him."
There was still a chance that Ronaldo could’ve been given a cameo appearance, as United had made three of their five changes when he left the dugout.
Ronaldo has had a difficult season so far. The summer was filled with speculation surrounding his future after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly asked to be sold to a Champions League club.
He ultimately stayed on to be a part of the Red Devils squad under new boss Ten Hag, but the former Ajax coach has had no problem using Ronaldo sparingly.
The striker has started just two Premier League games so far this season in eight appearances overall, scoring one goal.
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Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes that Ronaldo will get his chance under Erik ten Hag, despite the Dutchman not handing him a Premier League start since the second weekend of the campaign.
One of Ronaldo's fellow United forwards had come in for criticism from an ex-Red Devils star, though: Paul Scholes has labelled £82m summer arrival Antony "a one-trick pony".
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has been linked with a sensational move to Barcelona next summer, with the Catalan giants said to have already agreed a deal for the England international.
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