While on the pitch Manchester United salvaged a late point against Chelsea to keep their six-game unbeaten run alive, most media reports were less about the team’s never-say-die attitude and more about a single men.
Cristiano Ronaldo has always been a headline act and once again he proved it for all the wrong reasons during the Red Devils’ dominating victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
ETH has perfectly handled the CR7 saga
As his teammates overwhelmed Spurs, the United number 7 decided to leave Old Trafford when Erik ten Hag asked him to come on as a late substitute.
And this was the second such incident of the season and the Dutch boss did not take the trick very kindly.
The Portuguese was subsequently expelled from the first-team squad for the match against Chelsea and was forced to train with the Under-21s.
Media speculation abounded that the 37-year-old’s time at United may be over with reports suggesting United may be open to letting their star player walk away for free in January.
Big clubs like Chelsea and Napoli were mentioned as interested parties, maintaining the fact that the relationship between player and manager had reached a breaking point.
Training snaps on Tuesday, however, painted a different picture as Ronaldo was seen enjoying himself and is set to feature in the Europa League match against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday.
And now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has exclusively claimed that “Ronaldo has apologized to Ten Hag, and is now involved in the Man Utd first-team squad again.”
Ronaldo apologized and held talks
Writing in his exclusive CaughtOffside column, the Italian mentioned how everyone at Old Trafford was impressed with the way the former Ajax boss has handled the increasingly difficult situation and are giving him their full support.
With Marcus Rashford struggling to finish off chances, Jadon Sancho looking like a shadow of the player he once was and Anthony Martial struggling with injury, it’s imperative that Ten Hag use the Portuguese goal machine.
So Cristiano Ronaldo will be back in the match day squad for the Sheriff’s match. Erik ten Hag has managed the situation perfectly, has made his point clear and has reconciled with the player. Very solid management. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/WIEMnLyCV3
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) October 25, 2022
The fact that he had the guts to leave Ronaldo despite the difficult situation means that all the players know that the new manager is serious and that he is not someone to be trifled with.
The end of player power at Old Trafford finally appears to be here and this can only mean good things for United who have struggled with this aspect for far too long.
As for Ronaldo, even though he doesn’t want to admit his waning powers, it’s important for him to keep playing now that the World Cup is fast approaching.
The future remains uncertain
Tarnishing his legacy at United, a club he loves even more than Real Madrid, doesn’t seem like the best move at the moment.
“Cristiano understood that it was not the best way to act. It is important to mention that now he is back in contention for the first team, we will see him have a chance again.
“Ronaldo was very sorry, but also Ten Hag understood that the player wanted to get more involved. They talked about it, they had multiple conversations and they decided to shake hands and now Ronaldo is back in the United first team.”
The journalist also admitted that while the Portugal captain would like to leave in January, it will not be easy for Jorge Mendes to find the right place in the winter market.
It would have proved difficult for United too with their lack of firepower up front and the notoriously unwieldy winter window.
United Matchday Magazine: Everything fans need in one place Take a seat for the Sheriff match and join the debate on United’s hottest topics!
Get all the match preparation, articles, news, riddles, nostalgia and humor. Online soccer content like you’ve never seen it before. No ads, no clickbait, no fake news – just 100% pure United. secure online ordering Click Preview to see more or shop for just £1.25 / $1.50 Limited Time Offer: SAVE £10 On A Season Pass – Use Discount Code SEASON35 At Checkout.
