Ronaldo refused to come on as late substitute against Tottenham

Manchester United's Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo (R) speaks to Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Fred (L) during the warm up prior to the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on October 19, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Fresh reports suggest Cristiano Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.

According to the Daily Mail, Ronaldo was told to go on by Erik ten Hag and refused his manager’s instructions before calling it a night at Old Trafford.

It is ridiculous that Ten Hag has to deal with this sort of behaviour at United, especially at a time we are winning football matches, but Ronaldo was seen returning to Carrington today for talks and presumably training too.

I can only see this ending one way with Ronaldo departing United in January, but any suggestion that we should release him, as per Rio Ferdinand, really should be ignored.

If nobody shows an interest in signing him midway through the season, Ronaldo will have to wait until the end of the season when his contract expires.

Ten Hag and the rest of the players can do without distractions like Ronaldo right now.

Stretty News verdict

The first thing I would do with Ronaldo is fine him a weeks’ worth of wages for his behaviour.

Does he still expect United to stand by him with his improper conduct charge from the FA, which is hanging over his head?

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