CNN
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said he will wait until Thursday to “deal with” Cristiano Ronaldo’s early departure in the team’s 2-0 win over Tottenham.
Ronaldo, who had limited playing time under ten Hag and tried to force United before the start of the season, was an unused substitute in Wednesday’s game.
Rather than staying until the final whistle, the Portuguese striker came through the tunnel with several minutes left to play at Old Trafford – shortly after Ten Hag brought on Christian Eriksen and Anthony Elanga.
“I don’t pay attention (to that) today, we deal with it tomorrow,” the Dutch manager told reporters when asked about Ronaldo’s early exit. “I want to focus on this team. It was a magnificent performance. »
Ronaldo looked unhappy when he was substituted 72 minutes after United’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle on Sunday, a move Ten Hag said he made to keep his forwards fresh ahead of a busy run of games.
In his eight appearances so far this season – including six from the substitutes’ bench – Ronaldo has scored just once.
Speaking on the BBC, former England striker Gary Lineker said it was “unacceptable” and “so poor” for the 37-year-old to leave the game early.
Against Tottenham, Fred’s deflected shot put United ahead early in the second half before Bruno Fernandes increased the home side’s advantage from the edge of the box.
It was largely thanks to the excellence of Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris that United scored just twice, who moved up to fifth in the Premier League table with the win.
In a haphazard season, ten Hag’s side have now recorded wins against Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as humiliating defeats against Brentford and Manchester City.
Next up is a trip to Chelsea on Saturday, with Tottenham taking on Newcastle at home.
