Cristiano Ronaldo’s behavior ‘unacceptable’ – Micah Richards
Cristiano Ronaldo says “the heat of the moment” caught him in the incident that led to Manchester United dropping him for Saturday’s game at Chelsea.
“I’ve always tried to be a role model myself for the youngsters that have grown up on all the teams I’ve represented,” he wrote on Instagram on Thursday.
“That’s not always possible.”
He added: “Sometimes the heat of the moment overwhelms us.
“I just feel like I have to keep working hard at Carrington [United’s training ground]support my teammates and be prepared for anything in every game.
“Giving in to pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United and we must stand united. Soon we will be together again.”
According to United, the 37-year-old remains an important part of the squad but sees it as a disciplinary matter.
The game he will miss at Stamford Bridge is a big game as United are just a point behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Multiple media report he has refused to be brought on as a late sub against Spurs.
Ronaldo left the bench and went through the tunnel in the 89th minute despite United making just three of the five substitutions allowed. He briefly went to the dressing room before leaving the stadium.
Manager Erik ten Hag said afterwards that he would “deal with” the issue on Thursday.
Ronaldo had also shown his displeasure at being substituted off in Sunday’s 0-0 home game against Newcastle.
Former England striker Gary Lineker said Ronaldo’s behavior diverted attention from United’s impressive display against Spurs.
“This is unacceptable – it’s so bad,” Lineker said on ` Match of the Day.
Ex-Wales captain Ashley Williams said: “It was a great night for Manchester United and here we are again talking about Cristiano Ronaldo – although he didn’t play.”
Former England defender Micah Richards said: “It’s disappointing for one of football’s greats to do something like that when their team is winning.”
Richards said Ronaldo’s behavior was “disrespectful” and he should be allowed to leave in the January transfer window.
“His manager had issues with him at the beginning of the season, during the pre-season and then to continue that… I just think there’s only one way now,” Richards told ` Radio 4.
“They have to come to an agreement in January and let him go. He’s undermining the manager there, so I think it’s best if they just part ways.”
Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said Ronaldo would have been aware that such behavior would make “headlines”.
“It’s the first time I can say I’m disappointed in him. I usually support him; I understand his situation,” Schmeichel told ` Radio 5 Live.
“We are in transition. Manchester United have been five managers since Alex Ferguson.
“We’ve now brought in Erik ten Hag, who has very clear ideas about how he wants to play football. We need understanding and time from everyone.”
“We don’t need such distractions and that’s a disappointment I would say.”
analysis
Simon Stone, ` Sport
Ronaldo is now in no doubt as to who holds power at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag has made the decision to drop him for the trip to Chelsea as a disciplinary measure and the United hierarchy are 100% behind the Dutchman.
Although United sources are adamant the Portuguese superstar remains a key member of Ten Hag’s squad, in reality it wouldn’t come as a huge surprise if the 37-year-old makes the move once the January transfer window begins.
As ` Sport reported over the summer, there was a sense that Ronaldo’s continued presence could cause problems and it has proved to be the case.
It’s clear Ronaldo doesn’t feel respected. It’s also clear that he doesn’t fit Ten Hag’s preferred style.
The player’s contract is so high that finding a way to end it six months early will not be easy.
But for the good of all, it must be done now.
They only have three and a half weeks to keep calm before Ronaldo leaves for Qatar for the World Cup.
Comments are closed.