Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said there “has to be consequences” after confirming Cristiano Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute 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 directly whether Ronaldo refused to come on, Ten Hag said: “Yes.”
He added that after the Portugal international did the same at half-time of the friendly against Rayo Vallecano in pre-season, he felt he had to act.
“I am the manager,” he said. “I am responsible for the culture, I have to set the standards and values.
“After Rayo Vallecano, I said it was unacceptable, but it wasn’t just him. The second time there has to be consequences. That is what has happened, we miss him tomorrow.
“Football is a team sport. You have to set certain standards.”
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