The Portuguese star will not play against Chelsea after storming down the tunnel (Pictures: Getty)
Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo failed to live up to the standards he expects after axing the Portuguese superstar from Manchester United’s squad to face Chelsea following his tantrum against Tottenham.
The 37-year-old, who had been an unused substitute in the match, stormed down the tunnel before the final whistle had been blown in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Spurs.
Some reports also claimed Ronaldo refused to come on so late in the match and United released a brief statement on Thursday confirming that he would not be available for selection against Chelsea on Sunday as punishment, while he has also been forced to train with the youth team.
Ten Hag only spoke about Ronaldo briefly after the win over Spurs, saying the matter would be dealt with, and has now opened up on why he came down so strongly on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as well as confirming that he refused to come on.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, he said: ‘What the talk – if you ask about that – is between Cristiano and me, the statement is also clear, I think. He remains an important player in the squad.
“’I am the manager, I am responsible for the culture here and I have to set standards and values and I have to control them. In the team, we have values and standards and I have to control that.
‘After Vallecano [when Ronaldo left early during a friendly] I told him it was unacceptable but not him everyone, this is the second time, there are consequences.
‘We miss him tomorrow. It’s a miss for the squad but it’s important for the attitude and mentality of the group and now we have to focus on Chelsea as that is important.’
Probed on whether it was true that Ronaldo refused to come on against Tottenham, Ten Hag replied bluntly: ‘Yes.’
Taking to Instagram on Thursday night following United’s statement, Ronaldo gave his version of events, saying: ‘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.
‘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.’
MORE : Erik ten Hag makes fresh contact with Edwin van der Sar over Manchester United switch
MORE : Manchester United will consider letting Cristiano Ronaldo leave on a free in January
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The Portuguese superstar will not be involved against Chelsea and is training with the youth team.