Cristiano Ronaldo 's relationship with Erik ten Hag has turned frosty in recent days but it isn't anything new after the forward questioned the Manchester United manager's training methods.
The Portuguese star stormed off at Old Trafford after refusing to come on as a late substitute in United's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening. Ten Hag subsequently decided to drop Ronaldo for the Red Devils' 1-1 draw at Chelsea at the weekend, and revealed he would fine the forward two weeks' wages.
It accumulated in Ronaldo training alone on Thursday and Friday as he tries to force himself back into Ten Hag's plans before the World Cup begins in November. Despite Ten Hag claiming he wants Ronaldo to stay at United for the remainder of the season, it is understood there is a willingness to allow the forward to leave in January.
However, Ten Hag's relationship with Ronaldo has reportedly been strained ever since the five-time Ballon d'Or winner questioned some of his training methods. According to the Athletic, Ronaldo pushed back Ten Hag's pressing drills at Carrington.
Due to Ronaldo's influence, any remarks questioning the manager's ability to coach could sway his colleagues. And any team-mates not instinctively taking on board instructions from the dugout could be seen as a hint of rebellion.
Ronaldo also walked out of Old Trafford during United's friendly with Rayo Vallecano in July at half-time - a week before the start of the Premier League campaign. Ten Hag said at the time: "I certainly don’t condone this. This is unacceptable, for everyone. We are a team."
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But the former Real Madrid man didn't take on board that feedback during the Spurs win and did not even celebrate the victory with his team-mates.
"As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches," Ronaldo said in a statement after being axed from the squad to face Chelsea. "That hasn’t changed. I haven’t changed. I’m the same person and the same professional that I’ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision making process.
"I started very young, the older and most experienced players examples were always very important to me. Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented. Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment get’s the best of us.
"Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again."
