Manchester United produced their best performance in recent memory against Tottenham Hotspur, completely dominating proceedings to emerge 2-0 winners on the night.
There were plenty of positives with the showings from underachieving stars like Bruno Fernandes and Fred, a particular highlight.
Ten Hag harshly criticizes CR7
Based on Wednesday’s performance, it appears that United’s players are finally adjusting to Erik ten Hag’s methods and that bodes well for the season.
???? “That would have been a great hair dryer.” ????
Jaap Stam on how Sir Alex Ferguson would have dealt with Ronaldo and agrees with the way Erik ten Hag handled the Cristiano Ronaldo situation pic.twitter.com/YwhDdoP6N3
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 21, 2022
But the night eventually turned sour after Cristiano Ronaldo decided to leave Old Trafford with the match yet to be completed with subsequent reports revealing the Portuguese refused to come on as a substitute.
United have since issued a statement condemning his actions and backing Ten Hag’s decision not to allow him to make Chelsea’s matchday squad, as well as asking Ronaldo to train with the U21 team.
Many praised the Dutchman for his efficient handling of the situation and for not allowing the power of the players to reign in the Red Devils.
Since then, former United defender Jaap Stam has spoken out, revealing that he fully supported the former Ajax boss’s decision and that if Sir Alex Ferguson were still in charge of the club, things could have been even worse.
Stam, who won three Premier League titles and the famous treble with United, told Football Daily: “I think it’s a normal reaction that Ten Hag made, and Ronaldo knows that too because a player of his experience, the quality that has, what he has finished.”
Sir Alex would not have taken CR7’s pranks very well
When asked how the former legendary manager would have reacted to the stunt the Portuguese international pulled, Stam revealed: “Speaking of the hair dryer, it would have been a great hair dryer.”
Stam, however, was sympathetic to the 37-year-old’s plight. Ronaldo is not used to spending so many games sitting on the bench and that seems to have affected him mentally.
“He’s not happy that he’s not playing. Of course it isn’t. It wouldn’t be good if he was happy sitting on the bench.
“It is not fair for him to be remembered for this situation. He’s been world class, I still think he’s world class, and you don’t want to go into the history books by walking off the field because you’re not happy not playing.
“He’s probably going to come in now and apologize, but it’s still going to be on people’s minds, he’s done something that’s not good.”
Ten Hag has insisted that Ronaldo remains in his plans for the season and there is a possibility that the former Real Madrid star could return to the first team for the midweek Europa League clash against Sheriff Tiraspol.
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