Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United has been called into question again after he was left out of the team for Saturday’s match against Chelsea after his tantrum against Tottenham.
With a few minutes remained in United’s 2-0 triumph against Tottenham on Wednesday, Ronaldo stormed down the Old Trafford tunnel. According to reports, the 37-year-old star informed the ‘Red Devils’ boss Erik ten Hag that he did not want to come on as a late substitution.
Why has Cristiano Ronaldo been dropped from the United team?
It was not the first time Ronaldo had shown public dissatisfaction with his place in Ten Hag’s team, and the Man U boss ultimately reacted by wielding the axe.
The club statement said on Thursday, “Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea. The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture”.
Ten Hag’s decision to remove Ronaldo from the team is said to have the full support of the United management.
Following the disciplinary situation, United executives are thought to be deliberating on Ronaldo’s long-term future. But whether the disgruntled Portugal striker can find his way back remains to be seen.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo leave in January?
Man U would have to wait until the transfer season reopens on January 1 before selling Ronaldo, whose enormous salary might put off potential bidders.
Ronaldo has been attempting to arrange a move away from Old Trafford since the conclusion of last season, after being disappointed by United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
With Ronaldo on the bench against Liverpool, Arsenal, and now Tottenham, games United have won with increasing ease, it’s evident the club’s adaptation to life without him has already begun. His petulance will just hasten the process.
Ronaldo skipped United’s preseason vacation to Australia and Asia due to “family circumstances,” before venting again in a friendly against Rayo Vallecano.
Ronaldo, who was playing under Ten Hag for the first time, was replaced at halftime and rebelled by departing Old Trafford before the game was over.
Ronaldo also reacted poorly when Ten Hag replaced him in last weekend’s draw with Newcastle. Ten Hag has seldom relied on Ronaldo as his primary striker since taking over at Ajax in the offseason.
