Erick ten Hag To Bench Ronaldo For The Brighton Encounter After The Portuguese & Other Players Left The Pre-Season Game Early!

Recently, the Manchester United manager expressed his disappointment after Cristiano Ronaldo, and some other players left the Old Trafford season early before the end of the pre-season game against Spanish club Rayo Vallecano. It is quite clear that Ronaldo does not see himself playing for the Red Devils next season. He and his agent are actively looking for a new club to get the Portuguese some Champions League football next season.

The 37-year-old missed out on the pre-season games in Bangkok and Australia, citing personal reasons. He played his first pre-season game against Rayo Vallecano and was on the field for 45 minutes during the 1-1 draw. However, BBC reported that Ronaldo and several players sitting in the directors\’ box left the game early, even before the game ended. 

The United boss was not pleased by the news and was displeased with his players. Hag stated that the Red Devils is a team which meant everyone is supposed to stay until the end. The Dutch manager said the decision to leave was quite unacceptable for all the players involved. Erick has been brought in to rebuild the team and bring the players together. However, such a move from an experienced player like Ronaldo would only make it tougher for the new manager. Ten Hag claimed it was not good to leave early when a player is involved in the squad. 

It is quite different if the players are sitting in the stadium and not involved. He expected his players to stay back in the dressing room until the end and listen to their manager\’s thoughts. Hag added that a lot of people were there to see Ronaldo, and he was not even involved in the fans clapping after the final whistle. 

Ronaldo To Miss Out On The Season Opener Against Brighton

Cristiano only had 45 minutes of game time so far ahead of the new season. He played a single half of Sunday\’s pre-season game. Hence, while CR7 still looks for a new club, the United manager Erick ten Hag will reportedly bench the Portuguese during the season opener against Brighton on Sunday.

Due to the lack of practice, Ronaldo might have to wait a bit longer than others to get playing time. Thus, the Red Devils are likely to start with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Martial at the front. It is not a surprise that Ronaldo does not enjoy being benched. Hence, the new manager\’s move could push the five-time Ballon d\’Or winner closer to Old Trafford exit.