Newly appointed Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was left fuming after a handful of first team players left a preseason match early, including wantaway star forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese superstar was filmed by fans leaving the ground along with a group of fellow teammates prior to the final whistle of the Red Devils’ pre-season game against Rayo Vallecano, leaving Ten Hag unimpressed.
Ten Hag described the act as “unacceptable,” in an interview with Viaplay. “We are a team and that means you stay until the end,” he said.
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The incident came as rumors emerged suggesting Ronaldo and agent Jorge Mendes made it clear the six-time Ballon D’or winner wanted a summer move away from Old Trafford, in search of Champions League football ahead of the new season.
Despite the talk over a potential move elsewhere, Ten Hag remains certain the 37-year-old will stick around for the upcoming campaign, saying the former Real Madrid and Juventus striker was “in our plans” for the new season and “not for sale.” .”
Amongst all the current drama surrounding the highly decorated English club, Ten Hag has remained upbeat and positive with his new squad, ahead of Sunday’s season-opener against Brighton.
“Overall I am happy.” Ten Hag said, looking back on his first pre-season at the club. “We make good progress and we’re ready for the season.”
However, the former Ajax manager has made it clear “there is a lot of room for improvement” for his side, especially considering the Reds had dropped to their lowest ever finishing points in the Premier League era just last season.
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