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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag sent Cristiano Ronaldo a three-word message after watching his side rue chances again in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea. The Red Devils could’ve notched a memorable win at Stamford Bridge with more clinical finishing after Ten Hag banished Ronaldo from the matchday squad.
Ten Hag dropped Ronaldo from the matchday squad after the 37-year-old refused to come on in the final minutes of Wednesday’s 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur and left Old Trafford before full-time. He currently isn’t training with the United first team and was fined two weeks’ wages for his actions.
But United suffered from a case of failing to finish chances again in a good performance to draw 1-1 against Stamford Bridge. And when asked whether he missed Ronaldo after full-time on Sunday, Ten Hag admitted United ‘need him’ for his finishing ability.
He said: “It’s obvious. He can score a goal. He’s valuable to us. We need him, that’s clear. And I think you see it also in this game; he can finish. That’s quite obvious. I think I have said enough about the situation. Let’s focus on this game. It was a good game for my team. I have to really compliment my team.”
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Ronaldo could return to senior training at the start of next week, and it will be down to Ten Hag whether he is back in action against Sheriff Tiraspol next Thursday. In his post-match press conference, the Dutchman insisted that having the right ‘standards and values’ are more important than the quality you have on the pitch.
“Of course, [United’s wastefulness] was a big moment, but it doesn’t have any matter with that case. It’s more important to have the right standards and values. It’s always more important than that, and, in the end, it will bring you to the right position.”
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Ronaldo wanted to leave United in the summer in search of the chance to continue his Champions League legacy elsewhere. But no realistic suitors emerged, and he has predominantly been a rotational player under Ten Hag this season, despite finishing last term as the club’s top goalscorer.
A January exit could be on the cards if a suitable opportunity arises, with Ten Hag reportedly willing to offload him and focus on the future of his attack. But for now, he will be keen to use Ronaldo when he sees fit and must draw a line over the latest incident between the two before it escalates further.
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