“There will be consequences,” Manchester United manager Erik ten Hague has said after confirming he refused to come on as a substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo against Tottenham on Wednesday.
Ronaldo, 37, left Old Trafford before full-time after leaving the bench and walking down the tunnel in the 89th minute of United’s 2-0 win.
He has been dropped for Saturday’s game at Chelsea and is training alone.
Asked if Ronaldo had refused to come, Ten Hague said: “Yes.”
Ten Hague warned the Portugal international about his behavior in the summer when he left Old Trafford early after being substituted at half-time in a pre-season friendly with Rayo Vallecano. This time he felt he had to act.
“I’m the manager, I’m responsible for the culture here. I have to set standards and values ​​and control them. We’re in a team,” said ten Hague.
“After Rayo Vallecano, I said it was unacceptable, but it wasn’t just him. The second time there will be consequences. That’s what happened.
“We’ll miss him tomorrow, it’s a miss for us and the squad, but I think it’s important for the attitude and mentality of the group and now we have to focus on Chelsea – that’s the most important thing. “
Earlier this month, defending himself against former United captain Roy Keane’s accusations that he had disrespected Ronaldo in the defeat at Manchester City, Ten Hague said the decision was a “decision” for the five-time Ballon d’Or. And it was done out of respect. Winner
Ten Hague said that when he spoke to United about replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager, he explained to him the standards he demands from his players.
This former Ajax coach is considered 100% back to the United organizational structure.
“To achieve a high sporting culture and set the highest standards, we have to live up to them,” he said. “That’s what we do now. It’s not something you can build in a couple of weeks. It takes time.
“Cristiano has achieved a lot in his career. It’s fantastic. But he has to be aware of how you act today – it’s not about age or fame.”
Ten Hague expects Ronaldo to return on Sunday, when preparations begin for the Europa League group match against Moldovan side Sheriff Traspol.
Ronaldo is out of contract at the end of the season, although it is possible he could leave in the January transfer window if a suitable offer is received.
