Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham was marred by the latest Cristiano Ronaldo tantrum.
Cristiano Ronaldo stormed down the tunnel in the 89th minute, leaving the old Trafford before his teammates arrived in the dressing room after he was an unused substitute against Antonio Conte’s side.
Speaking after the game, Erik Ten Hag indicated that he will deal with the situation the next day.
Asked about his reaction to the Ronaldo incident, former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan said on Stadium Astro: “We don’t know if he was sulking but he’s a proud man, a proud professional.
“I agree it doesn’t come across very well when the game hasn’t finished and you’re leaving. I’m sure there will be a story behind that which will come out later.
“It’s disappointing but he obviously thought he could have contributed to that game. Knowing Cristiano he would’ve felt even at 2-0 that he could contribute and score a goal, he has that hunger.
“I agree you can’t be bigger than the team and it is disappointing. I’m sure they will address that within the club.
“He’s mature and experienced so it is disappointing. We don’t know the reasons why but we can assume he’s annoyed.”
Quizzed if Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego is becoming an issue at Manchester United Mike Phelan replied: “Every player has their moments. Egos can be good because great players have egos.
“Obviously you have to see what they are bringing to the team and environment and United would have assessed that not just based on tonight but based on the entire season.
“Decisions will be made in the future about Ronaldo, by him and by the club, I’m sure.
“What happened tonight doesn’t help the cause but it’s just another story. What’s important for United and the manager is the team turned up tonight and put in a performance. So there shouldn’t be any negativity there at all.”
Meanwhile, Former Manchester United star Bryan Robson has backed Erik Ten Hag to solve the Cristiano Ronaldo issue.
Bryan Robson said on TalkSports: “It’s the manager’s decision to how he handles it.
“I was at the game last night, I didn’t see what happened.
“I don’t even want to talk about it. It was about the performance and the way the lads are playing at the moment.
“You’re going away from the most important thing, which was the team performance. The manager will sort it out. He’s strong enough, he’s disciplined.
“For me, he will look after that. I’d much sooner talk about the performance of the team, not one individual.
“One player doesn’t make a club. It’s about your team and your group and how you perform as a group.”
Bryan Robson also hailed Erik Ten Hag for improving Marcus Rashford.
He added: “I think Ten Hag is definitely that type of manager [to put his arm around Rashford’s shoulder].
“He sees that players need encouragement, he sees that they need guidance.
“I think maybe Marcus after the last World Cup just got a little bit carried away with off-the-field stuff and lost his focus on his game.
“I think now he’s realized that and he’s getting back to focusing on his career and what’s best for him is he’s a footballer and he’s focusing more on that so we’re getting the best out of him again.”
