Erik Ten Hag has boldly spoken out on Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the stadium early following the friendly against Rayo Vallecano. The striker made his return to the pitch after a lengthy absence from pre-season due to family issues.
Ronaldo left Old Trafford at half time alongside Diogo Dalot, who wasn’t included in the squad to face Vallecano on Sunday. Several other players also did the same, and were pictured outside before the final whistle.
Erik Ten Hag speaks out on early exit from friendly
Ten Hag told the Dutch media outlets AD and Viaplay: “I certainly don’t condone this. This is unacceptable. For everyone. We are a team and you have to stay until the end.”
The new manager also spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo and his fitness ahead of the season, considering he has only been training for a week:
“I think he can, but to start with he has to get fit. He’s just started. He’s a fantastic football player, he proved it so many times. But you can always be judged by what you are now, what you are presenting now, performing now. The team, and Cristiano by himself, has to prove it.”
There have been reports that Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial could be the preferred starting trio in attack for the Dutchman. Moreover, the return of Ronaldo to full fitness night not prompt Erik Ten Hag to include him in the team either.
