Cristiano Ronaldo left Old Trafford before the final whistle after being an unused substitute in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Ronaldo watched from the bench on Wednesday evening as his United team-mates defeated Antonio Conte’s side, thanks to goals by Fred and Bruno Fernandes.
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The Portugal international walked down the tunnel before the full-time whistle but also left the stadium rather than heading to the dressing room.
Asked about Ronaldo heading straight down the tunnel in the 90th minute, Erik ten Hag told Amazon: “I don’t pay attention today, we deal with that tomorrow. I want to focus on this team, it was a magnificent performance from all 11 players. I have to correct myself, it was a performance on the subs who came on. A squad performance.”
Ten Hag still had two more substitutions to use having only brought on Scott McTominay, Anthony Elanga and Christian Eriksen.
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Ronaldo’s early exit didn’t make a ripple in the home dressing room at Old Trafford as United’s players celebrated the win over Tottenham.
He previously drew criticism from his manager back in August when he left early during a friendly against Rayo Vallecano.
Ronaldo was substituted at half-time during the warm-up fixture and was then filmed outside the ground before the end of the match.
Speaking after that game in the summer, Ten Hag said: “I certainly don’t condone this. This is unacceptable, for everyone. We are a team and you have to stay until the end.”
Ronaldo told United he wanted to leave this summer, should the club receive a suitable bid, but no satisfactory firm offers were made for the forward.
Ten Hag’s side remain in fifth spot in the Premier League after their victory against Tottenham.
United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
(Photo: Getty Images)