Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to action with Manchester United after he was dropped from the first-team squad for their last outing at Chelsea.
On Wednesday, Man United manager Erik ten Hag said in his pre-match media briefing at Carrington that Ronaldo was to be involved when the Red Devils take on Sheriff Tiraspol in their penultimate UEFA Europa League group match. United currently trail group leaders Real Sociedad by 3 points and they need to win this evening at Old Trafford and in San Sebastián next week to finish top of Group E.
Ronaldo returns to the fold having been banished from the first-team in the wake of his unsportsmanlike behaviour last week. Less than 24 hours after United’s impressive victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford last Wednesday, a club statement was issued that the 37-year-old was not to be part of the squad against Chelsea.
Cristiano responded with a statement of his own via his social channels:
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo has released a statement pic.twitter.com/qbCDxGA7tD
— FIVE (@FIVEUK) October 20, 2022
Ronaldo had been named on the bench against Spurs, with Marcus Rashford taking his spot, and after not coming onto the pitch the Portugal talisman made an early exit to the change rooms, much to the disapproval of his manager and supporters alike. It has since been suggested United’s #7 refused to come on with his side 2-0 up.
United then travelled to London, without Ronaldo, for a showdown at Stamford Bridge which ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Despite featuring in neither of the clashes with Spurs and Chelsea, Cristiano has managed to steal the spotlight from a resurgent United team under Ten Hag.
Ronaldo has been a thorn in the side since the very beginning of the 52-year-old’s regime, when the Portuguese missed the first week of training and then United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, due to ‘family reasons’.
Ronaldo eventually appeared in United’s final pre-season friendly with Rayo Vallecano, in which he made a beeline for the Old Trafford tunnel after being substituted off at half-time. At the time Ten Hag disapproved of Ronaldo’s actions, saying it is ‘unacceptable’ for everyone.
Missing the bulk of pre-season has taken its toll on Ronaldo and he is evidently not up to speed with his fellow teammates who are continually working towards the manager’s demands of a high press.
The fact of the matter is that, whether or not Ronaldo realises it, Man Utd are a better team without him. In what was their best all-round performance under the new manager, he opted to walk out on his triumphant teammates rather than remaining beyond the final whistle to celebrate altogether.
With his long-awaited homecoming just 13 months in the past, Ronaldo is now tarnishing his reputation with the club and its fanbase. Regardless of fame and legacy, he conducted himself in an unprofessional manner and Ten Hag had every right to take disciplinary action against the five-time Champions League winner.
Many including this writer believe the Dutch coach has handled the situation brilliantly, stamping his authority on the players and bringing an end to the days of player power at United. The manager made an example of Ronaldo and has sent a clear message to the rest of his squad that actions have consequences, irrespective of one’s status or track record.
It was of particular interest that Ten Hag’s decision to drop Ronaldo had the backing of the club, specifically chief-executive Richard Arnold, although the same cannot be said of José Mourinho and Ed Woodward before them.
Superagent Jorge Mendes is believed to have explored options of an exit plan for his client this past summer and Ronaldo was heavily linked with the likes of Bayern Munich and Chelsea, but he remained a United player at the transfer deadline.
Ronaldo presumably has the FIFA World Cup as his main priority at this point and it is difficult to see him remain at United beyond January. The questions remain: who will want him and who can afford his extortionate salary demands? If no suitors come forth Ten Hag may convince the club to release the 37-year-old from his contract.
