Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag said star player Cristiano Ronaldo refused to be used as a sub in their game against Tottenham on Wednesday.
The Portuguese legend has been dropped from the game against Chelsea on Saturday and according to ten Hag he has to face “the consequences.” Ronaldo left Old Trafford before the game was over in the 2-0 win.
Asked directly whether Ronaldo refused to come on, Ten Hag said: “Yes.”
He added that after the Portugal international did the same at half-time of the friendly against Rayo Vallecano in pre-season, he felt he had to act.
“The talk is between Cristiano and me. The statement is clear. It is also in the statement that he remains an important part of the squad,” Ten Hag said.
“I am the manager, I am responsible for the culture here. I have to set standards and values and have to control them. We are in a team.
“After Rayo Vallecano, I said it was unacceptable, but it wasn’t just him. The second time there has to be consequences. 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.”
On Thursday, Ronaldo said “the heat of the moment” had got to him, though he stopped short of apologising.
He has scored just one goal in eight Premier League appearances this season, and also showed his displeasure at being substituted in Sunday’s 0-0 home draw with Newcastle.
United go into Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge just one point behind Chelsea in fifth and Ten Hag said his players would not be distracted by this week’s drama.
