Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag says ‘there are consequences to Ronaldo’s bad behaviour’

As Ronaldo trained on his own at Carrington yesterday (Friday), Ten Hag did not hold back in his criticism of the 37-year-old forward, who has been dropped for today’s (Saturday’s) match against Chelsea after refusing to come off the bench in the midweek win over Tottenham Hotspur.

In an insightful 15-minute press conference, Ten Hag described Ronaldo’s behaviour as “unacceptable” and told the five-times Ballon d’Or winner that his reputation and achievements in the game did not entitle him to special treatment.

Ten Hag felt it would have been wrong to allow Ronaldo to escape without punishment because part of the reason why he was appointed United manager was to restore order to what had previously been a fractured and undisciplined dressing room.

“When I got appointed, I talked to the directors about top sport culture, about standards and that is why they appointed me,” Ten Hag said.

“They did some background on me and we had talks about how I lead, what my personality is and about my standards and leadership. To get top sport culture and to set the highest standards, we have to live by them.

“I have to take the decisions in the interests of the club and the team, it doesn’t matter who it is, their age or their reputation.”

The Times understands that most United players back their manager’s decision to drop Ronaldo even though the squad is depleted in attack owing to the absence of Anthony Martial, who will miss today’s (Saturday’s) game because of a back problem.

It is also understood that Ronaldo has been fined over his actions on Wednesday night, when he stormed out of Old Trafford in the final minute of United’s impressive 2-0 win.

Ronaldo was already on thin ice with the United manager because he - and a few other United players - left Old Trafford shortly after being substituted at half-time during a pre- season friendly in July against Rayo Vallecano.

“I sent him and the others a warning at the start of the season after the Rayo Vallecano game,” Ten Hag said. “I told him then it was unacceptable and that next time there would be consequences. That is what we did.

“Both of those things are not acceptable and that is why he gets some days off. Now he will have time for reflection. It is a difficult decision, but there has to be consequences for bad behaviour. You can’t let it go otherwise it will be misty and miserable for the future.”

Ronaldo appeared keen to make amends for his error of judgment. He issued a statement on Thursday admitting he had not lived up to his high standards, and yesterday (Friday) morning he reported for duty at Carrington at 8.30 - well before most of his team mates - to start running drills with the fitness coaches.

This may not be the last act of Ronaldo’s long and eventful history with United. Although Ten Hag was clearly unimpressed by Ronaldo’s strop on Wednesday, he has not been put up for sale.

When asked yesterday (Friday) if he wanted and expected Ronaldo to see out his contract, which expires in the summer, Ten Hag replied: “Both.”

“Cristiano remains an important part of the squad and I count on him for the rest of the season,” Ten Hag added.

For that reason, there is a chance that the forward could be recalled for Thursday’s home match against FC Sheriff in the Europa League.

Ronaldo could train with the first team on Monday, but only if Ten Hag is satisfied that the player knows he has made a mistake and is willing to do as his manager says. “We will talk first, but I don’t want to miss him,” Ten Hag said.

“I want him to be in the squad and be involved for every game because he has an impact, but we set certain standards.”

The United manager refused to divulge the details of the discussion he had with Ronaldo on the bench on Wednesday night. The Dutchman was also unwilling to reveal how Ronaldo took the news that he would be dropped.

“That is between me and Cristiano,” Ten Hag added.

Ronaldo pushed for a move away from Old Trafford last summer, partly because of a family issue, but United’s match-going fans have not turned on the player.

The fans chant Ronaldo’s name at every match, but this latest controversy has cast doubt on the Portuguese’s legacy at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag acknowledges that Ronaldo - winner of nine trophies during his first spell at United - is a club legend, but that matters little to him unless he starts displaying the right attitude and scoring goals once more.

Ronaldo has so far scored only two goals this season, one of which came from the penalty spot against Sheriff.

“I think it [his legendary status] is justified because he has achieved a lot in his career,” Ten Hag said.

“It is so brilliant. But he has to be aware that you get [judged] by how you are acting today. In top sport, it is about today - it is not about age or reputation.”

-The Times

Originally published as Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag says ‘there are consequences to Ronaldo’s bad behaviour’