Peter Schmeichel was not impressed by Cristiano Ronaldo’s antics (Pictures: Getty)
Peter Schmeichel has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo’s antics during Manchester United’s Premier League victory over Tottenham and admits: ‘It’s the first time I can say I am disappointed with him.’
On what should have been an overwhelmingly positive night for United, Ronaldo’s decision to storm down the tunnel and leave Old Trafford before full-time has attracted negative attention.
Erik ten Hag’s side produced an impressive performance to secure a well-deserved 2-0 win over Antonio Conte’s Spurs, with Fred and Bruno Fernandes breaking the visitors’ resistance after a goalless first half.
Unused substitute Ronaldo left the bench and walked down the tunnel in the 89th minute and departed the stadium before his team-mates returned to the dressing room.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag said he had not seen or spoken to Ronaldo but would ‘deal with’ the issue on Thursday.
Giving his take on Ronaldo’s behaviour, Manchester United legend Schmeichel said on BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘It’s the first time I can say that I am disappointed with him. Normally I back him, I understand his situation.
‘But we are in transition. Manchester United are now five managers down the road since Alex Ferguson. We have got Erik ten Hag in now who has very clear ideas about the way he wants to play football.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
‘We need understanding and time from everyone. We don’t need distractions like that, and that’s a disappointment I would say.’
Ronaldo scored 24 goals in 38 appearances for Manchester United last season but has struggled for game-time under former Ajax boss Ten Hag.
The Portugal legend has started just two of United’s 10 league games and was frustrated to be subbed off during the club’s goalless draw with Newcastle last weekend.
Former England striker Gary Lineker said Ronaldo’s antics took attention away from United’s impressive performance against Spurs, while Micah Richards says his behaviour was ‘disrespectful’.
‘That is unacceptable – it is so poor,’ Lineker said on BBC Match of the Day.
Former Manchester City defender Richards added: ‘For one of the greats of the game to do that when your team are winning, making it about him, is disappointing.
Ronaldo was an unused sub in Manchester United’s win (Picture: Getty)
‘His manager had problems with him at the start of the season, during pre-season, and to then carry this on… I just think there is only one way this needs to go now.
‘They need to come to an agreement in January and they need to let him go. He is undermining the manager there, so I think it’s best if they just part ways.’
Manchester United’s victory over Tottenham keeps them fifth in the Premier League, one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea, while Spurs stay third, four points adrift of early leaders Arsenal.
MORE : Rio Ferdinand reveals where Man Utd need to improve after Tottenham win
MORE : Antonio Conte labels his Tottenham team ‘scared’ in Manchester United loss
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Follow Metro on Snapchat
You can follow our new Snapchat show Pop Cultur’d, the go-to place for all things pop culture.
Keep up with the latest Showbiz exclusives by following Metro Showbiz on Snapchat.
And football fans can indulge in all the transfer gossip and more on Metro Football on Snapchat.
Schmeichel has given his take on Ronaldo’s antics.