Cristiano Ronaldo faces Man Utd fan backlash over refusal to play as Ten Hag warns legend status won’t protect him
ERIK TEN HAG has warned Cristiano Ronaldo he faces a fan backlash over his “bad behaviour”.
Manchester United boss Ten Hag claims Ronaldo’s club legend status will not protect him from stick after he refused to come on as a sub in Wednesday’s win over Tottenham.
The moody Portuguese, 37, then stormed down the tunnel five minutes before the final whistle.
Ten Hag axed the five-time Champions League and Ballon d’Or winner from his squad for today’s trip to Chelsea.
And the tough-talking Dutchman told Ronaldo that United supporters will judge him on his actions now — not in the past.
Ten Hag said: “He has achieved a lot in his career. It is so brilliant.
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“But he has to be aware that you get judged by the moment and how you are acting today. It is about today — it is not about age or reputation.
“When in top sport, you get judged by the moment and how you act.
“Everyone has to be aware of it — not just Cristiano.”
Ten Hag warned Ronaldo about his behaviour when he walked out of the ground before the end of a pre-season friendly with Rayo Vallecano having been hooked at half-time.
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But refusing to come on at Old Trafford during Wednesday’s 2-0 win took it to another level.
Ten Hag said: “Everyone understands both are not acceptable. There has to be consequences for bad behaviour and when it is the second time.
“You can’t let it go or it will be miserable for the future. You have to take this measure.
“He has to live as anyone else along certain standards and standards we set this season.”
Ten Hag gave a firm ‘yes’ to confirm the player had refused to come on as a substitute.
BIG FINE FOR RONNIE
The United chief added there would have to be talks before he is allowed back into training with the rest of the squad.
As well as his axe and training exile, Ronaldo has been fined £720,000 — two weeks’ wages.
United go to Stamford Bridge a point off fourth-placed Chelsea in fifth and Ten Hag said his team will not be distracted by this week’s drama.
He said: “It’s part of playing in top football.
“There are rumours and noise and you can’t get distracted. You have to get the result.”
Ronaldo had issued a statement, saying: “I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, adversaries and coaches.
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“I’ve always tried to set an example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented. Unfortunately that’s not always possible.
“This is Manchester United and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again.”