Manchester United supervisor Erik ten Hag stated he would “deal with” Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal ahead headed to the altering room earlier than the ultimate whistle within the group’s 2-0 win over Tottenham. Ronaldo was an unused substitute as United produced arguably its most full efficiency of the season. Ten Hag sought to keep away from controversy when questioned in regards to the incident after the match, nevertheless it locations recent query marks over the way forward for the Portugal worldwide.
“I don’t pay attention today,” the Dutchman stated. “We deal with that tomorrow. I want to keep the focus on this team. It was a magnificent performance from all the 11 players.” Ronaldo was criticized by his supervisor in the summertime for leaving a preseason sport towards Rayo Vallecano at halftime. Ten Hag described it as unacceptable however later clarified that his feedback weren’t solely aimed on the 37-year-old Ronaldo. Ronaldo has struggled to ascertain himself underneath Ten Hag this season and has scored simply two objectives in 12 appearances.
There have been questions on his capability to suit into his new supervisor’s high-pressing system — and his place on the bench on Wednesday gave the impression to be additional proof of Ten Hag’s doubts, with Marcus Rashford beginning at centre ahead.
“Against this Tottenham, we need good pressing,” he stated. “We need good counter-press because from there you can create chances. We needed good pressing players. Offensive-wise you need dynamic, so that is what Marcus can bring.” Second-half objectives from Fred and Bruno Fernandes secured the win for United, which strikes it to inside one level of the highest 4.
Despite Ten Hag’s makes an attempt to keep away from the topic, Ronaldo nonetheless prompted debate afterwards. “I understand his frustration, but if you look at the bigger picture his team has put in a really good performance,” retired participant Alan Shearer stated on Amazon Prime Video. “The supervisor had a giant determination and it’s been confirmed proper. You’re speaking about possibly the very best participant we’ve ever seen, nevertheless it makes issues tough for the supervisor.
“He’ll be asked about that, but he should be talking about the players on the pitch tonight.” Amazon pundit Patrice Evra tried to steer the dialog away from his former United teammate. “Everyone is different,” he stated. “I need to keep on the United efficiency, to not protest Cristiano. He might need stated to Ten Hag, I’m going in,’ and we’re going to make a narrative simply exhibiting him strolling? “Maybe he stated he wanted some therapy.
I don’t need to discover any excuse, however I need to be centered on the story of United and we’ve to cease speaking daily about Cristiano.”
