Ten Hag calm after Ronaldo’s furious reaction to being subbed

When Manchester United and Newcastle met on Sunday, they ended up in a score-less tie. With 18 minutes left in the game, United manager Erik Ten Hag decided to replace Cristiano Ronaldo with Marcus Rashford – a decision that infuriated the Portuguese star as he stormed off the field.

Ten Hag was not shocked nor upset by this reaction and in fact said he understands it completely.

“I think no player is happy when he is [taken] off, and especially not Ronaldo. I understand that,” said Ten Hag. “As long as it’s in a quite normal way, [I have] no problem with that.”

Ronaldo had a goal ruled out by referee Craig Pawson earlier in the game and was clearly upset with Ten Hag’s decision to take him out of the game, but Ten Hag would not speak negatively about the 37-year-old. Ronaldo has only started twice in the Premier League this season and the game against Newcastle was his first since United lost to Brentford in August. After the tie to Newcastle, United dropped to fifth place in the league.

Ronaldo could start against Tottenham today now that Anthony Martial has been ruled out. Ronaldo has scored eight career goals against Tottenham, including six in the last three matches. So far this season, Ronaldo has just one goal. He will be looking to up that total today and prove to his coach why he should be a starter and a finisher.

“He is, of course, convinced that he should stay on and he should score a goal,” said Ten Hag. “That is why he is that good.”