Cristiano Ronaldo was pictured training with Manchester United under 21 after he was dropped from the first team following his departure from Old Trafford in Manchester United’s win over Tottenham before the final whistle.
Erik Ten Hag decided to make an example of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. He did not play any part in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
However, Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes there has been a communication breakdown.
What did Rio Ferdinand say?
Speaking on BT Sports, the Manchester United Icon said: “He (Ronaldo) would say I would probably have handled that differently if it happened again.
“But you look at him and you think you know what I’m preparing myself to play games, I need to get myself right, communicate that to me so I can be ready for the weekend.
“Throw me five minutes here and two minutes there. It was disrespectful against Man City to bring me on for a few minutes in that game so why’s it not disrespectful to do it here?
“What signals is that sending to me? I think prevention in all these cases is the key. Foresee this happening before it happens and communicate to the player because you know he expects to play, expects to score goals, and expects to be relied upon.
“Nobody says he’s right in this situation but the way it’s panned out you can see how a player can react. Not just Cristiano Ronaldo but any player in this situation.”
He added: “He’s my mate and you want to see your friends do well.
“But at the same time, I wouldn’t condone that in the changing room if I was there. I would be on to him and say what are you doing?
“You’d have that conversation and argument. But there are always two sides to a story and I will reiterate if you are not communicating then problems arise and in that situation that’s been the case.”
Meanwhile, Roy Keane has heaped to the defense of Cristiano Ronaldo claiming he has had enough.
Keane said on SkySport: “I try to see it from the player’s point of view.
“He’s obviously had enough. He’s lost his head and I think it’s been brewing over the last few weeks with Ronaldo.
“But I will still try and defend him. He’s a human being, he’s got flaws. He probably feels frustrated that he’s not been getting opportunities and he’s had enough.
“He walked down the tunnel but I think other players have done a lot worse at Manchester United.”
The Manchester United icon also rubbished claims that Manchester United played their best game under Erik Ten Hag against Tottenham.
He added: “Everyone was saying after the Spurs game it was Manchester United’s best performance in years.
“Absolute rubbish. The spurs were terrible. Ronaldo got a hat-trick when United beat Spurs last season at home, so he’s more than capable of getting on the pitch and making a difference.
“He has to take his punishment. Is there a way back for him? I’m not sure. I’d be more worried if he was laughing his head off on the bench for not caring. I think he cares.
“This game is full of bluffers, he isn’t one. He wants to play. He needs to play, a world-class player.
“People say he’s not where he was 10 years ago – of course, he’s not but he was the leading goalscorer for United last season in a really bad United team.”
