Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted that he will not tolerate acts of indiscipline from his players, even Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ten Hag dropped 37-year-old Ronaldo from his squad for tomorrow’s Premier League clash against Chelsea after the superstar stormed off the bench and walked down the tunnel during Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
After the match Ten Hag told reporters that he would deal with the situation, and it was announced yesterday that Ronaldo would not only miss the Chelsea game, he would not be allowed to train with the senior team.
“It will have a reflection for him, but also for everyone,” Ten Hag told his pre-match press conference today when asked about Ronaldo’s punishment.
“First time with Rayo (when Ronaldo left the stadium while a pre-season friendly was still being played) wasn’t acceptable, but he wasn’t only one.
“The second time has consequences. Football is a team sport and you have to respect standards.”
The Dutchman said Ronaldo was still part of his plans but insisted that the manager calls the shots.
“Details are between Cristiano Ronaldo and me. The statement is also clear. Cristiano remains an important player in the squad,” the former Ajax boss added.
“I am the manager. I am responsible for the culture; I have to set the standards and values.
“We miss him tomorrow. It’s a miss for the squad but it’s important for the attitude and mentality of the group and now we have to focus on Chelsea as that is important.”
Ten Hag also confirmed reports that Ronaldo refused to come on against Spurs before leaving the ground with the match still being played.
On the Chelsea game at Stamford Bridge, Ten Hag said he was excited for it.
He said: “For me, matches are never an issue away or at home.
“It is fabulous to play at Old Trafford with our fans on our back. Great experience. Opponents don’t like to come to Old Trafford
“But I also like to play away games, the Premier League stadiums are fantastic. We feel strong and we are looking forward to the game tomorrow.”
On facing Graham Potter again after the new Chelsea manager led Brighton to outclass United at Old Trafford at the beginning of the season, Ten Hag said: “It is nothing, I think from that game. It is a different team, different game. We are further in the process.”
It will be a battle between fourth and fifth in the Premier League, with Chelsea ahead of United by one point.
