Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, took his display of frustration with Manchester United Manager Erik ten Hag to a new level.

We don’t need distractions like that, and that’s a disappointment, I would say.” I just think there is only one way this needs to go now,” Richards told BBC Radio 4 (via the BBC). “We are in transition. “It is so poor.” Ronaldo’s exit came after ten Hag had made three of the five permitted substitutions. I didn’t speak to him after.

Watch Chelsea vs Man Utd live on Saturday Night Football from 5pm on Sky Sports Premier League; kick-off 5.30pm.

In the past he has not been shy of confronting somebody. "Ten Hag came off the bench and made very clear that was not accepted by him, shouted to him on the touchline in front of every television camera so everybody could hear it and the public behind the dugout. "He missed pre-season and Ten Hag made it very clear that was vital. There's only one way and it's the Erik ten Hag way. A club statement read: "Cristiano will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday's game against Chelsea. "It is the first time in his career that he's dealing with the calibre of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 37-year-old striker left Old Trafford early last night despite his side beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0. He was an unused substitute by Ten Hag, as goals from ...

football.london understand that [the Blues sounded out a move for the Portugal international in July](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/cristiano-ronaldo-chelsea-man-united-24384338), with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner eager to ply his trade in the Champions League. It's said that Ronaldo, who sees his contract at Old Trafford expire at the end of the season, was offered to Bayern Munich, but the German giants turned their nose up at the chance. With Todd Boehly also known to be interested in the striker, then Chelsea could be tempted into capitalising on this opportunity. If Chelsea decide to reignite interest in the striker, then the club have been handed a huge boost after Diego Simeone downplayed speculation that a move for the Portuguese star is on the cards. [Martin Liberman](https://twitter.com/libermanmartin), as quoted by [Atleti Universe](https://twitter.com/atletiuniverse), the Atletico Madrid boss said: "Cristiano Ronaldo's possible arrival at Atlético de Madrid in the summer? "Ronaldo is an absolute benchmark for Real Madrid. "I wouldn't see [Martín] Palermo or [Juan Román] Riquelme playing in River or [Ariel] Ortega in Boca. [met Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/cristiano-ronaldo-todd-boehly-chelsea-24324415) in the summer to discuss a potential move, according to [The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/3383475/2022/06/25/ronaldo-chelsea-boehly-mendes/?source=emp_shared_article). The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture." [Bruno Fernandes and Fred held Antonio Conte's side to a disappointing defeat away to United](https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/fixtures-results/man-utd-tottenham-live-updates-25299332). [ESPN](https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/4694583/cristiano-ronaldo-open-to-chelsea-move-after-request-to-leave-manchester-united-sources), Ronaldo was even [open to a move to Stamford Bridge](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/cristiano-ronaldo-chelsea-man-united-24384338). [The Blues](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/) are set to host [the Red Devils](https://www.football.london/all-about/manchester-united) at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon as the race for top-four heats up.

Cristiano Ronaldo says "the heat of the moment" got to him in the incident that has led to Manchester United dropping him for Saturday's game at Chelsea.

The star forward faced disciplinary action from the club after refusing to enter Wednesday's match against Tottenham.

[EA Sports Announces Several Investments in Women’s Soccer](https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/10/20/ea-sports-significant-investments-in-womens-soccer-fifa-23-uefa?utm_source=recommendations&utm_medium=in-article&utm_campaign=end-of-story) [Cristiano Ronaldo Won’t Be on Man United First-Team Squad vs. With the January transfer window following the 2022 World Cup, in which Ronaldo will represent Portugal for the fifth time, it can be expected that another round of Ronaldo rumors and speculation will heat up. He had pushed for a transfer over the summer, but no solution materialized. It was a performance on the subs who came on. I’m the same person and the same professional that I’ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision making process.” “As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches.

Chelsea news: Cristiano Ronaldo storming off during an objectively positive night for Erik ten Haag proves why Todd Boehly should steer well clear.

It is not the first disciplinary issue with the 37-year-old this season, and it is unlikely to be the last given his new status as a substitute. "I can say that it is a combination of football and human values." Ronaldo's antics prove the circus that follows the superstar around. Ten Hag was forced to confront the issue in his post-match press conference. Ronaldo's selfish tendencies have been mostly justified by his match-winning displays on the biggest of occasions throughout an astonishing career. United have now beaten Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs at home, all teams for whom they will be competing for a Champions League qualification spot.

Former Man United striker Teddy Sheringham says Ten Hag would have been better bringing in a striker he could build his team around in the summer.

Sheringham says he would have liked to see Ronaldo leave and United bring in a “proper centre-forward” replacement to build around. The superstar handed in a transfer request during the close-season but dwindling options elsewhere saw him stay at Old Trafford. Teddy Sheringham says he would have sold Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer if he was Manchester United boss.

Man United have confirmed that the striker has been dropped from the matchday squad.

"Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented. [Manchester United](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc) squad for this Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea," the statement read. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. Soon we’ll be together again." I started very young, the older and most experienced players' examples were always very important to me. "Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the

Plus: Chelsea are ready to allow Romelu Lukaku to remain on loan at Inter Milan next season; Crystal Palace are considering a January move for Blackburn ...

THE TIMES THE GUARDIAN THE SUN Maccabi Tel Aviv are reportedly desperate to extend wonderkid Oscar Gloukh's contract at the club amid concerns over a cut-price move to Celtic. THE INDEPENDENT THE ATHLETIC

Man United defeated Tottenham on Wednesday but Cristiano Ronaldo's early exit is threatening to overshadow his teammates' excellent performances.

surely the manager would have known before the season started if he was going to play Ronaldo or not, if he wanted him in his team, if he was someone to build around. If that’s the case, he should have let Ronaldo go. "If he doesn’t see Ronaldo as a starter in his team more often than not, I think he has to release him from his contract. He has to let him go. I think the big problem Erik ten Hag has got is that, coming up to this next window, he has to think very carefully about what he does. I think Ronaldo will be absolutely fuming with that, naturally," Ferdinand said on his

Manchester United have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will be not be part of the first team squad to face Chelsea after he refused to come on as a s.

“Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented. “Giving in to the pressure is not an option. A statement from United said: “Cristiano will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s game against Chelsea. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Multiple reports say that he in fact refused to come on as a substitute. That hasn’t changed.

Cristiano Ronaldo has elicited mixed reactions after being dropped from the Manchester United squad for the Chelsea date.

Man United issued a club statement on Cristiano Ronaldo then the player responded with a statement on Instagram.

"Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented. "Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. I started very young, the older and most experienced players' examples were always very important to me. No first-team players were present but he is expected to do individual work and not train with the Reserves. [Manchester United](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc) squad for this Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea," the statement read.

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be in the Man United squad this weekend and it is unclear when he will next play for the club.

[Ronaldo](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/cristiano ronaldo) refused to come on in the 2-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday night and walked down the tunnel before the game had finished. Dressing room sources do not believe there is any imminent threat of the players turning against Ronaldo as he is immensely respected. Ten Hag nor any United first-team squad members had reported at the time Ronaldo turned up. Some believe Ronaldo's return to United has adversely affected Bruno Fernandes' goals and assists output. Ronaldo issued a 170-word statement on Thursday night in which he accepted "sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us" and United insist he remains an "important player". [United](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc) manager Erik ten Hag has omitted Ronaldo from the squad to travel to Chelsea on Saturday and the 37-year-old has been fined a fortnight's salary and ordered to train separately from the first-team squad for the remainder of this week.

Chelsea news: Erik ten Hag has spoken to the press about Cristiano Ronaldo as the Manchester United boss prepares to take his side to Chelsea.

In the team, we have values and standards and I have to control that. And I have to control it." "Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. I started very young, the older and most experienced players' examples were always very important to me. Manchester United released a statement on Thursday night saying: "Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been dropped for Man Uniteds trip to Chelsea as punishment for refusing to go on as a late substitute and leaving early in Wednesdays ...

"Right now, I just feel I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my team-mates and be ready for everything in any given game. "I started very young, the older and most experienced players' examples were always very important to me. We have to win that game and do everything we can, so we need full concentration to prepare for the game and play our best. We'll miss him tomorrow, it's a miss for the squad but I think it's important for the attitude, mentality for the group." He said: "It's about Chelsea, we have a big game to play, all my focus is on that game, all the focus from the staff and the focus from the players is on that game. "I think it will be a reflection for him and also for everyone else," said Ten Hag on what he hoped Ronaldo's punishment would achieve.

After the match, manager Erik ten Hag said he would “deal with” Ronaldo and the club later announced he would not be involved in its next English Premier League ...

“Giving in to the pressure is not an option. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. On Friday, ten Hag told reporters that Ronaldo had refused to come on. It seems the forward is not content with his new role at the club and his fractious relationship with the new regime has been obvious to see. I haven’t changed. “That hasn’t changed.

Chelsea news: Graham Potter has been speaking to the media at Cobham ahead of Chelsea's home Premier League match-up with Manchester United at Stamford ...

"Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. I started very young, the older and most experienced players' examples were always very important to me. The United boss was determined to put across that Ronaldo's behaviour on Wednesday was unacceptable. [Ten Hag confirmed](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/cristiano-ronaldo-chelsea-man-utd-25321370) in his pre-match press conference earlier today (Friday) that [Ronaldo](https://www.football.london/all-about/cristiano-ronaldo) would not be travelling with the rest of the squad after his actions on Wednesday. [Potter](https://www.football.london/all-about/graham-potter) said: "I can't really comment, he's [Ten Hag] taken his stance.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says there "has to be consequences" after confirming Cristiano Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute against ...

But it was the biggest - and he has come through it with his status enhanced and Ronaldo's diminished. Now he can communicate with the media effectively - and forcefully. "I am the manager, I am responsible for the culture here. The second time there has to be consequences. I have to set standards and values and have to control them. "The talk is between Cristiano and me. That is what has happened. "We miss him tomorrow, that is a miss for us and the squad, but I think it is important for the attitude and mentality of the group and now we have to focus on Chelsea - that is the most important." "There are rumours and noise and you can't get distracted, you have to remain on the job and get the result." On Thursday, Ronaldo said "the heat of the moment" had got to him, though he stopped short of apologising. It is also in the statement that he remains an important part of the squad," Ten Hag said. The statement is clear.

Ronaldo and Manchester United appear to be at a breaking point after Erik ten Hag's hard-line stance following another act of self-indulgence.

But as the tide of his talent goes out, what is left is a monstrous and expensive ego. The only offer United received for him in the summer came from Saudi Arabia, but Ronaldo was adamant he would only leave for a Champions League club. Ronaldo has been sent to train apart from the rest of the squad, and he will not be part of the traveling party for Saturday’s game at Chelsea. United has been open to selling Ronaldo since the summer. We'll miss him tomorrow, it's a miss for the squad, but I think it's important for the attitude, mentality for the group." And he did it in the summer, leaving at halftime of a friendly against Rayo Vallecano. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. He did it at Juventus in 2019 after Maurizio Sarri had substituted him for the second time in a week. The manager’s hand, of course, has been strengthened by the fact that his side played so well against Tottenham. [had left the stadium before the final whistle](https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/10/20/cristiano-ronaldo-manchester-united-leave-early-tunnel-ten-hag) blew. A couple of minutes later, he walked down the touchline, proceeded down the tunnel and When Christian Eriksen and Anthony Elanga were brought on after 87 minutes, Ronaldo could be seen, standing in front of the wall of the Old Trafford dugout.

Soccer's biggest stars used to have places to wind down their careers with dignity. The sport's economics now require their humiliations be public.

It was not Mbappé — he was tucked up in bed — and it was not, he said, any member of his entourage. The problem, of course, is that he does not need to do so. Ronaldo is, put simply, too valuable, too famous, too much of a draw to be allowed to drift into the sunset. The very notion that he might not be is “completely wrong.” That will not be the end of it, though. After all, his forebears as the world’s best players were prepared to accept the ticking of the clock. Players associated with the Champions League, increasingly, are either not permitted or not prepared to escape it, their autumn days directly compared with the heat of their summers. Few players, if any, have done as much as Ronaldo, 37, to turn the game into the financial monster it has become; he has, for years, been one of the twin spearheads (and prime beneficiaries) of its relentless drive for global growth. For the original Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, it was a waning A.C. The fans, mindful of what he was, unconcerned by what he might be, sing his name as he trots down the touchline to stretch his muscles, to shake off the gathering rust. It is not, in truth, the coda his achievements warrant. It is not, of course, quite the coda to his glittering career Ronaldo might have anticipated.

When Ronaldo was performing as an individual in his first season back at Old Trafford – only Golden Boot sharers Salah and Son scored more Premier League goals ...

Arsenal fans will disagree with this and fair enough, because for them the feels of his goalscoring return against Leeds in the FA Cup were enough to override the fact that he was just no longer quite the same player who had left them five years earlier. [The absurdly exciting teenager inevitably saddled with the Next Gazza dubbing](https://www.football365.com/news/how-could-little-joe-cole-ever-match-gigantic-hope) who emerged at West Ham in the late ’90s returned to the Boleyn after a decade full of success at Chelsea, a spell at Liverpool and a year in France playing alongside Dimitri Payet and Eden Hazard for Lille. With 18 goals in 2015/16 and 25 the following year, Lukaku set himself up for his big move to Manchester United which, in hindsight, was not the failure it was perceived to be at the time. It’s not so much that Drogba’s return to Chelsea via a two-year hiatus in China and Istanbul was bad – it did bring another Premier League winner’s medal after all – it’s just that it very slightly spoiled one of the great farewells. Very often in the last minute as well (subs check again cheers). And what was wrong with the club went far beyond Pogba, or his hair, or his latest vaguely underwhelming midfield performance in a crucial game. United do seem to be improving without him, as they are without the sidelined and huffing Ronaldo, but that is largely due to other factors. [Ronaldo’s pathetic departure from Old Trafford](https://www.football365.com/news/ronaldo-not-part-man-utd-squad-chelsea-game-37-year-old-latest-hissy-fit) after refusing to accept a demeaning bit-part role in a superb win over Tottenham is the ending he deserved and a triumph for the collective. He was often perfectly good in his second six-year spell at Old Trafford but it was also just permanently exhausting. When Ronaldo was performing as an individual in his first season back at Old Trafford – only Golden Boot sharers Salah and Son scored more Premier League goals – the team was, to use a technical term, absolute sh*t. Proved his Premier League chops with 17 goals on loan at West Brom in 2012/13 and confirmed his elite status after joining Everton. The Athletic report that claimed Ronaldo’s departure not just from the subs’ bench but from the ground altogether went largely unnoticed by a squad celebrating its best night in ages must have been brutal for the game’s biggest ego.

(United failed to qualify for the competition after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.) Several Champions League clubs declined to pursue him, ...

[Tom Verducci’s cover story](https://vault.si.com/vault/1996/10/21/legend-of-the-fall-in-a-breakout-performance-bernie-williams-led-the-yankees-to-the-american-league-pennant) about the Yankees’ ALCS win over the Orioles is focused on another player, though: Bernie Williams, who had nine hits in 19 at-bats (.474) and two home runs during the series. [over a dozen times](https://sicovers.com/art/derek+jeter). [a $100 million defamation lawsuit against fellow grandmaster Magnus Carlsen and others](https://www.si.com/more-sports/2022/10/20/hans-niemann-100-million-lawsuit-chess-cheating-allegations). … We have an excerpt from Tyler Dunne’s new book about tight ends [detailing the time Tony Gonzalez almost fought his offensive coordinator](https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/10/20/tony-gonzalez-mike-mularkey-book-excerpt). … Tom Brady apologized for [comparing playing an NFL season to military deployment](https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/10/20/tom-brady-apologizes-comparing-nfl-season-military-deployment). [humiliating 4–0 defeat](https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/08/14/manchester-united-erik-ten-hag-embarrassing-start-premier-league) against Brentford. In the first inning alone, he walked four batters (including three in a row) and immediately surrendered the three-run lead his offense had staked him in the top half. … Jets receiver Elijah Moore [wants to be traded](https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/10/20/jets-wide-receiver-elijah-moore-makes-trade-request). … If the Lakers are going to trade anybody (like, you know, Russell Westbrook) [they’ll reportedly wait until after Thanksgiving to do it](https://www.si.com/nba/2022/10/20/lakers-not-expected-to-make-trades-until-after-thanksgiving-20-games-wojnarowski-report). … Avi Creditor breaks down which USMNT players [we should be concerned about heading into the World Cup](https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/10/20/usmnt-world-cup-concern-robinson-pepi-richards-reyna). … College basketball season is closer than you think [and Nick Selbe has a ranking of the men’s teams in the Pac-12](https://www.si.com/college/2022/10/20/pac-12-basketball-rankings-ucla-arizona-oregon). (United failed to qualify for the competition after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.) Several Champions League clubs declined to pursue him, though, and Ronaldo returned to the United starting lineup for a friendly against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in late July.

Plus: Reality check for Antonio Conte and Spurs; A sick Declan Rice urges West Ham to rise to big occasions after Anfield defeat, Everton going backwards.

His side may have lost the bragging rights on the south coast, but there is no need for him to panic. It took Forest 59 minutes to record a touch in the Brighton box and they managed just three shots on Sanchez's goal. It's certainly a start but such lack of adventure and freedom in their play must be hard for Cooper to watch. "He's an important player on and off the field, he's got the experience," he said. I've done it a few times this season [changed formation], and the game is moving more in this direction." He attributed this increase in goalscoring to a change in his mindset implemented by Vieira. His forward play in the second half was simply wonderful and his goal brilliantly taken. His third goal in his last four appearances was a forceful header into the ground and past Lukasz Fabianski in the West Ham goal. The most that a Conte side has conceded in a top-flight game - and there have been 318 of them in England and Italy. But his detractors might point instead to the paucity of his attacking ambition. This was a miserable night for the Italian and his team. Conte pointed to "simple mistakes" being the reason for this defeat.

The superstar forward has fallen out of the regular Manchester United rotation, and did not look pleased at the end of Wednesday's win over Tottenham.

[Chelsea’s Graham Potter: Pulisic ‘Pushing for a Start’](https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/10/19/christian-pulisic-chelsea-graham-potter-usmnt?utm_source=recommendations&utm_medium=in-article&utm_campaign=end-of-story) [Norwich Manager Eases Fears Over U.S. With the situation as it is, speculation will continue to swirl about how long Ronaldo will stick with the club. Ronaldo, who rejoined United last August, has fallen out of favor with new manager Erik ten Hag, slipping out of the starting lineup. In seven games this season, Ronaldo has played fewer than 45 minutes. “I will deal with that tomorrow, not today,” ten Hag said, That run includes Wednesday’s 2–0 win third-place Tottenham, which had the Red Devils smiling, with one notable exception: star forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Man United's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Wednesday.

"The manager had a big call to make in leaving him out and it turned out to be the right decision because they have done everything right. After realising that he would not be sent on against the London outfit, Ronaldo headed for the tunnel, despite his side still being in action on the pitch. "He is going to get asked about that now in the press conference when he should be asked about every one of his players on the pitch tonight because they have all been impressive." Ten Hag's men dominated proceedings and were worthy winners against Antonio Conte's side. [Ronaldo](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/cristiano-ronaldo) is likely to steal the headlines after walking down the tunnel before the match had even finished. [United](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc) produced an impressive display to secure an important victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, with [Fred](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/fred) and [Bruno Fernandes](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/bruno-fernandes) both on target for the home side.

Cristiano Ronaldo left before the end of Manchester United's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, giving Erik ten Hag an unwelcome headache after a fine team ...

On this occasion, he was not the only United player to do so. I want to get the focus on this team — it was a magnificent performance from all 11 players. Ten Hag felt Rashford had a big impact against the Magpies and decided the England forward was the best option against Spurs. I have to correct myself — it was the subs who came on as well. I don't want to find any excuse, but I want to be focused more on the performance of Man United. His old United teammate, Patrice Evra, countered: "I want to stay on the United performance.

The Manchester United star's petulant act has left the football world in a frenzy. Details here.

Click here to find out more about our partners. Find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. You can select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices.

Manchester United may have put on their best performance of the season in their 2-0 win against Tottenham... but Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't smiling.The.

Ten Hag was in no mood to discuss the incident after as he said: “I have seen him, I will deal with that tomorrow, not today. But he was flagged for offside in what would have been a goal of the month contender. A tonne a week and more. Once again Fred was in the heart of the action as his blocked effort fell to Fernandes, who guided a first-time shot into the far corner with a superb curling strike. but he’s being paid how much a week? A superb performance by United was overshadowed by the petulance of the Portuguese superstar as he headed back to the dressing room before the clock hit 90 minutes.

Ronaldo warmed up and was due to emerge in the 87th minute but Anthony Elanga and Christian Eriksen were sent on instead. Ronaldo disappeared down the tunnel in ...

We have to win that game and have the concentration to play our best." In the team, we have values and standards and I have to control that. And I have to control it.

Well, with the departure of Robert Lewandowski to FC Barcelona, outsiders pinged the German giants as the perfect destination for CR7 and his legion of fanboys.

Bayern Munich recognize this and act accordingly in the transfer market. Even with Ronaldo scoring regularly for them, something was amiss at Juve and they failed to reach their heights from the 2015-2018 years. [According to](https://t.co/4Is1B9uFRR) The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, he will also train alone for the time being. Repeat that same statement ad-nauseam for the entire summer, by every Bayern executive (including Kahn and Hainer) and the coach as well. [FC Barcelona](https://www.barcablaugranes.com), outsiders pinged the German giants as the perfect destination for CR7 and his legion of fanboys. Ronaldo brings a rot to any current-day team, and clubs who cannot see that meet their demise very quickly. [Bayern Munich](https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com) were regularly in the news for rejecting the advances of Cristiano Ronaldo and his agent, Jorge Mendes. Back then, this statement was met with much derision from the CR7 and Juventus fanbases, but KHR proved correct in his assessment. But once again: That was and is not a topic for us" [— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) The media could not help but talk about the chaos at [Manchester United](https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com) following the arrival of Erik ten Hag, and CR7’s desperate attempts to leave the club after only just arriving in the summer of 2021. They saw Bayern’s rejection of CR7 for what it was — a prudent decision made by a superclub prioritizing on-pitch success over big name transfers. Some saw it as a missed opportunity to grab a proven goalscorer with a massive international fanbase.

Man United produced their best performance of the season without Cristiano Ronaldo, who exited from view early against Tottenham.

"And, in answer to your question, we deal with that tomorrow and what we have seen today was 11 players who defend, 11 players who attack there was a lot of dynamic in the attack as well. "And, offensive-wise, you need dynamic and that is what Marcus can bring. "We want to focus on this team, it was a magnificent performance from all 11 players.

Cristiano Ronaldo storms down Old Trafford tunnel before end of Man Utds victory over Tottenham after being unused substitute; the 37-year-old watched from ...

It is just going to get uglier as the season goes on. "You can call it petulant or a drama queen but United knew who they were signing. But you don't keep Ronaldo to sit on the bench. I just felt this incredible pathos because he's only got one or two years left now at the top level. "The manager kept him. He should have been let go before the transfer window. In his post-match press conference, Ten Hag added: "I don't pay attention to that, I will deal with that tomorrow. He had four or five good options. It was also a performance from the substitutes who came on. This idea he didn't have options is rubbish. "If Ronaldo has done that, it's an absolute disgrace," Mills told Soccer Special. "It was magnificent from all 11 players.

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has been blasted as a 'disgrace' after his early exit down the tunnel at Old Trafford.Dropped for the 2-0 win.

“For Ronaldo to do that during the game, it’s slapping Ten Hag round the face. If I am in the changing room with Ronaldo, I want my manager to make a statement. “And what does that do to other players? I would leave Ronaldo out of the Chelsea game.” How disrespectful is that to your teammates!” He wants to move on, there’s petulance.

Cristiano Ronaldo left Old Trafford before the final whistle after being an unused substitute in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

[Scott McTominay](https://staging2.theathletic.com/football/player/scott-mctominay-rXernJIkIW9dTOdt/), [Anthony Elanga](https://staging2.theathletic.com/football/player/anthony-elanga-uKN8FLpn0sEWhKMj/) and [Christian Eriksen](https://staging2.theathletic.com/football/player/christian-eriksen-IdnyhU0AWBdF3utd/). I want to focus on this team, it was a magnificent performance from all 11 players. [Fred](https://staging2.theathletic.com/football/player/fred-SH3uaPEfAVNkJbik/) and [Bruno Fernandes](https://staging2.theathletic.com/football/player/bruno-fernandes-qr6VV7sJwbrbqULf/).

Goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes were enough for Manchester United to beat Tottenham Hotspur, but it was Cristiano Ronaldo who took the headlines.

That is a third-tier team beating the cup holders, current league leaders and also Europa League group leaders in the cup. And it is what made him a great athlete - one of the greatest. "The system has become quite unstable, it isn't self-sustainable anymore. We haven’t changed much from last season but the on-pitch understanding now is a lot better than it was." The Warm-Up is calling this early doors mind games, as France are a hot mess. The win lays down a marker for the London club who were in the ascendancy throughout against the current holders of the Champions League. "They've had the same group [of players] for a long time, working well. It is the varying levels of luck and belief that often separate the bog-standard from the not-so bog-standard. [looking at you Danny Mills](https://bit.ly/3yRvm3i)- but it is this streak of delusion that has driven the Portuguese to greatness beyond his peers, and is now dragging him down. "We always say the same great teams... And as the gap between their perceived ability and actual ability gets ever wider, that delusion - once a potent weapon - becomes a legacy-tarnisher. It is, though, the meeting of talent, luck and impenetrable confidence - or delusion - that elevates the greats.

Tottenham suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford but it was Cristiano Ronaldo who made the headlines once again for ...

“The best performance for Man United of the season so far, and Ronaldo walks off down the tunnel. The former Newcastle striker said: "I understand his frustrations of not being able to get on the pitch but when you look at the bigger picture, his team have put on a really good performance tonight. "The manager had a big call to make in leaving him out and it turned out to be the right decision because they have done everything right. Ten Hag had only used three of his five available substitutes at that point but Ronaldo was seemingly sure he was not going to be used in any capacity and headed for the changing rooms. The French icon said: "I don't know, that's a job he'll have to deal with. We don't know if he [Ronaldo] said to Ten Hag that he was going in. I don't want to find any excuses but we should focus more on the performance of United and stop talking everyday about Cristiano." "Like I said, there was a game, a magnificent game for Manchester United. Ronaldo has struggled for game time under new manager Erik ten Hag after missing pre-season due to 'family reasons' and expressing a desire to leave Old Trafford during the summer transfer window. Maybe he said to Ten Hag: 'I'm going inside to do some treatment'. How disrespectful is that to your teammates!” Not for me anyway."