Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest antics while playing for Manchester United could have a ripple effect on his position in the Portugal squad.
The 37-year-old ran through the tunnel and out of Old Trafford on Wednesday. At first it seemed to be because he was not called up as a substitute, but the English press later claimed that he had refused to come on along with Anthony Elanga and Christian Eriksen in the 87th minute.
As a result, the player has been dropped from the squad to face Chelsea tomorrow and has been ordered to train alone.
With the World Cup fast approaching, one that is likely to be Ronaldo’s last, being left out of his squad would normally have implications for his international chances.
According to The Athletic, Ronaldo retains a “god status” in Portugal, with the outlet asking “who would be brave enough to leave their country’s best and most decorated player of all time?”
However, a recent poll in Portuguese outlet A Bola reveals that far more fans believe the situation is Ronaldo’s fault than Ten Hag’s.
The poll question was “whose fault is it that the relationship between Ronaldo and Ten Hag has reached the point of no return?”
41% of those surveyed said it was the player’s fault, with just 27% blaming the United manager.
11% blamed the club while 21% said it was “everyone’s fault”.
Source: A Ball
The results make grim reading for Ronaldo, who until recently could hardly be criticized in public in Portugal without outrage.
the halo is definitely fading. Earlier this month, Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, took to social media to condemn the Portuguese public after some dared to criticize her poor performance against Spain in the recent Nations League tie.
Aveiro said: “The Portuguese spit on the plate they eat, it has always been like this… Always with you, my king.
“The Portuguese are sick, petty, soulless, stupid, ungrateful and always ungrateful. The type [is] on his knees… There is no one to give him a hand. It’s mean.
“He is simply the best player in the world.” (Source: A Ball)
So far, Portugal manager Fernando Santos has remained loyal to Ronaldo, often for the full 90 minutes, while the likes of Joao Félix and Rafael Leão warm up the bench and explosive young suitors like Gonçalo Ramos and Fabio Silva have yet to They have been international.
However, the change in public opinion could give the manager license to use the 37-year-old more sparingly. On paper, the Portugal team is stronger than ever and winning the competition should be considered a real possibility that sticking with a rusty Ronaldo could compromise. 
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