Manchester United cruised to a 2-0 victory against Tottenham last night thanks to goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes.
However, what was a sublime and masterful performance was shrouded in controversy, with Cristiano Ronaldo as the main culprit.
With the game just minutes away and the Red Devils firmly in control, the 37-year-old got up and launched himself down the tunnel.
Ronaldo resorted to this as a form of protest against Erik ten Hag, who snubbed him, preferring to bring in Anthony Elanga and Christian Eriksen.
Since then, Ronaldo’s stunt has created a frenzy, with the player coming under intense criticism for what Thierry Henry described as the player who takes the team’s headlines and places them on himself.
However, Ronaldo’s act goes beyond getting into the locker room.
The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell reports that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner went further and left Old Trafford in a fit of rage.
Whitwell says: “The Portugal international walked through the tunnel before the final whistle, but also left the stadium instead of heading to the dressing room.
“Ronaldo’s early departure caused no stir in the home dressing room at Old Trafford as United players celebrated victory over Tottenham.”
When asked about the striker’s unacceptable behavior yesterday after the match, Ten Hag dismissed the question and said he would deal with the matter today.
This is not the first time that the 37-year-old has done something like this with the Dutch coach. He did the same against Rayo Vallecano during the preseason when he was substituted at half-time. On that occasion, Ten Hag said, “I certainly don’t approve of this. This is unacceptable, for everyone. We are a team and we have to stay until the end”.
Ten Hag is expected to hold confrontational talks with Ronaldo today.
