Erik Ten Hag, a champion Dutch manager, took over a struggling Manchester United side in April 2022. Cristiano Ronaldo scored 18 goals in 2021 but the Premier League giants failed to qualify for the Champions League. The 37-year-old was reportedly looking for an out.
“I know that he has done a fantastic job at Ajax and that he is an experienced coach. But we have to give him time,” Ronaldo said then, adding that he believes United can win titles under Ten Hag.
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In his first 14 matches as United coach, the Dutchman won nine, drew one and lost three. The team is currently fifth on the Premier League table and second in their Europa group.
However, there seems to be a problem. Ronaldo doesn’t look very happy. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was sidelined from the playing XI once again against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday. The team won 2-0.
Ronaldo was seen warming up at the sideline, indicating that Ten Hag would bring his on after the first half. However, he was not. The former Real Madrid star walked off into the dressing room while the match was still going on.
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“I will deal with that tomorrow, not today. We are now celebrating this victory. I have seen him, but I haven’t spoken with him,” Ten Hag spoke about Ronaldo’s walkout.
Ronaldo was reportedly not content with his salary reduction, of 25%, at the start of the season. The club was slow at the transfer market. But then, Ten Hag managed to bring in Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez. He also added the likes of Casemiro to the squad. However, CR7 still isn’t happy.
He played for 37 minutes against Brighton, four vs Liverpool, 22 vs Southampton and was a late substitution against Leicester and Arsenal. The 37-year-old has only played for 90 minutes once during the 2022 Premier League season. He has started only twice.
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On the other hand, in the five matches he has played for Portugal this year, the striker has been given full-time in four.
“I think Manchester United are just showing disrespect to Ronaldo,” United legend Roy Keane said after the team’s 6-3 derby humiliation against Man City.
Ronaldo is one of the most decorated players in football. However, he seems to not fit in United’s counter-attacking style under Erik Ten Hag. The Portuguese legend has made his frustration visible. Stray passes, poor touches and off-field actions show that he is not happy.
