Erik ten Hag is planning to have Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United this season and says it's unfair the Portugal star was singled out for criticism for leaving last Sunday's friendly against Rayo Vallecano early.
Ten Hag said in an interview with Dutch television this week that it was 'unacceptable' for players to go home before the end of a game. That was widely viewed as a swipe at Ronaldo, who was pictured leaving Old Trafford 10 minutes from full-time after playing the first half.
However, Ten Hag insists that his comments were aimed at all the players who left, saying: 'Now I have to point out, those who left … they were many players who left but the spotlight is on Cristiano, that is not right.
'So do your research and make out many players left, that was what was said. I don't understand what is the relation, he was part of it. There were a lot of players.'
Asked if he has spoken to the players about what he expects from them in future, Ten Hag added: 'I think we've said enough on it. I said it's not correct. You mention it, you correct them, then move on.'
The Rayo game was Ronaldo's first appearance of pre-season after missing the club's tour of Australia and Thailand for personal reasons.
The 37-year-old has asked to leave Old Trafford, but Ten Hag insists that he sees the player staying this season.
'I'm satisfied with the whole team, we're working good, we have a top striker. I'm really happy he's here with the squad and we stick to the plan.'
Ten Hag must decide whether to throw Ronaldo straight into action in place of the injured Anthony Martial against Brighton on Sunday despite his lack of match action. 'We will see Sunday. I think we will have solutions to sort it out,' he said.
EliMunich
202
Just mention CR7 in your Media Outlet and you make a lot of money that what CR7 is earning at United. He's the goat if Media business.
Chimobiorji
169
Cr7 fans won’t skip🐐❤️
21Legacy
155
Me explaining to a Messi fan that CR7 will always be the Goat no matter how many negative stories the media writes about him 💯🐐🔥
KingJimmy1994
105
Cristiano Ronaldo is now a compulsory course in any media's University...For any Media to attain a greater height or gain recognition, they will have to talk about Cristiano repeatedly every hour of the day, the week and throughout the years
AlexanderMadrid
77
I bet you so Many haters sees Ronaldo in their dreams
Fijas_faiju
40
There are 4 types of fans ... 1. Ronaldo fans who respects all other football legends and love the sport all through the heart 2. Messi fans who respects the legends as well as the football game 3. Barcelona fans who only know about Messi, they know to open mouth only to hate Madrid... or Ronaldo .. and don't know nothing outside of that club.. No respect to previous legends of the game. 4. some special little boys.. who knows football only from past 10 or 20 years only. with mostly playstation and fifa game experiences. They don't know what the culture and spirit of real football is.. who the bloodshed legends were .. ( 3 and 4 are the disgusting versions of every game... )
_Brarm
13
C.Ronaldo is the name that attracts soo many people. Say he’s the goat 🐐 Messi’s fans will come in your comment box. Say C.Ronaldo is arrogant, his haters will support you. Putt all the blame on him when everybody is at the fault, the club supporters will turn against him. Write C.Ronaldo in your article, every one will give it a look to see what’s new about C.Ronaldo today. Its the biggest name in football history and not even Messi comes close. Ronaldo is bigger than anyone in football. He’s a brand himself