Cristiano Ronaldo: Why Manchester United forward must face consequences – Erik Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said there “has to be consequences” after confirming Cristiano Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham on Wednesday.

He has been dropped for Saturday’s game at Chelsea and is training alone.

Asked directly whether Ronaldo refused to come on, Ten Hag said: “Yes.”

He added that after the Portugal international did the same at half-time of the friendly against Rayo Vallecano in pre-season, he felt he had to act.

“The talk is between Cristiano and me. The statement is clear. It is also in the statement that he remains an important part of the squad,” Ten Hag said.

“I am the manager, I am responsible for the culture here. I have to set standards and values and have to control them. We are in a team.

“After Rayo Vallecano, I said it was unacceptable, but it wasn’t just him. The second time there has to be consequences. That is what has happened.

“We miss him tomorrow, that is a miss for us and the squad, but I think it is important for the attitude and mentality of the group and now we have to focus on Chelsea – that is the most important.”

Ronaldo’s actions have been widely criticised, with Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker calling them “unacceptable” while former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said this was the first time he had been “disappointed” in the player.

On Thursday, Ronaldo said “the heat of the moment” had got to him, though he stopped short of apologising.

He has scored just one goal in eight Premier League appearances this season, and also showed his displeasure at being substituted in Sunday’s 0-0 home draw with Newcastle.

United go into Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge just one point behind Chelsea in fifth and Ten Hag said his players would not be distracted by this week’s drama.

“It’s part of playing in top football,” he said.

“There are rumours and noise and you can’t get distracted, you have to remain on the job and get the result.”

Analysis

Erik ten Hag couldn’t have done any better.

He addressed the major issue around Cristiano Ronaldo directly, then explained why he felt it was important to take the action he did.

Then, once the broadcast media had finished, he answered more questions from the written press, which will appear in Saturday’s newspapers.

It was not the first major test of Ten Hag’s authority. But it was the biggest – and he has come through it with his status enhanced and Ronaldo’s diminished. If there is a winner in such situations, Ten Hag is it.

The other point worth nothing is when he first took the United job, Ten Hag’s English was hesitant. Now he can communicate with the media effectively – and forcefully.

With United beating Tottenham as well, it has been a good 48 hours for the Dutchman.