Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United’s clash against Tottenham early (Pictures: Getty)
Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has given his verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to leave Old Trafford before the end of the club’s Premier League win over Tottenham.
Erik ten Hag’s side beat Spurs 2-0 on Wednesday night but the victory was somewhat overshadowed by Ronaldo’s early departure from the stadium.
An unused substitute, Ronaldo left the bench and walked down the tunnel in the 89th minute. The 37-year-old then left Old Trafford before his team-mates returned to the dressing room.
Ten Hag did not see or speak to Ronaldo last night but insisted he would ‘deal with’ the situation on Thursday.
Asked for his take on the incident, ex-United assistant boss Phelan told Stadium Astro: ‘We don’t know if he was sulking but he’s a proud man, a proud professional.
‘I agree it doesn’t come across very well when the game hasn’t finished and you’re leaving. I’m sure there will be a story behind that which will come out later.
‘It’s disappointing but he obviously thought he could have contributed to that game. Knowing Cristiano he would’ve felt even at 2-0 that he could contribute and score a goal, he has that hunger.
Phelan worked with Ronaldo last season (Picture: Getty)
‘I agree you can’t be bigger than the team and it is disappointing. I’m sure they will address that within the club.
‘He’s mature and experienced so it is disappointing. We don’t know the reasons why but we can assume he’s annoyed.’
Asked if Ronaldo’s ego is becoming a problem at Old Trafford, Phelan added: ‘Every player has their moments. Egos can be good because great players have egos.
‘Obviously you have to see what they are bringing to the team and environment and United would have assessed that, not just based on tonight but based on the entire season.
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‘Decisions will be made in the future about Ronaldo, by him and by the club, I’m sure.
‘What happened tonight doesn’t help the cause but it’s just another story. What’s important for United and the manager is the team turned up tonight and put in a performance. So there shouldn’t be any negativity there at all.’
Phelan, 60, spent three spells at Manchester United, first as manager of the reserves team and then as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant and a member of both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick’s coaching teams.
Ten Hag’s United moved to within one point of the top-four places after beating Spurs and will hope to continue their momentum on Saturday when they visit Chelsea.
MORE : Peter Schmeichel reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United strop
MORE : Rio Ferdinand identifies where Man Utd need to improve under Erik ten Hag
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‘He’s a proud man, a proud professional.’