Cristiano Ronaldo, a star for Manchester United, is in another problem because, in the words of journalist Dean Jones, “Portugal is better off without him” in the World Cup following his negative press at Old Trafford.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was kicked out of the Red Devils’ lineup by manager Erik ten Hag before the championship event, which begins in Qatar next month.
As Manchester United defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 on Wednesday, the Daily Mail reports that Ronaldo declined to play as a replacement.
According to the story, the 191-cap Portuguese international started walking down the tunnel in the 89th minute, gathered up his luggage from the locker room, and left Old Trafford before the final whistle.
Ronaldo won’t go with Manchester United to Chelsea on Saturday, it has been revealed, as a result of the incident.
In addition, as further retribution, the forward is working out alone. Ten Hag, who oversees team discipline in the first squad, has the full support of the Red Devils’ administrative staff.
Taking to social media, Ronaldo said he would “keep working hard” at the club’s Carrington training facility and claimed he behaved in the “thrill of the moment.”
Jones now thinks there are concerns about whether Ronaldo should travel to the World Cup after already being expelled by ten Hag before Manchester United’s Premier League match against Chelsea.
The reporter wonders if Portugal will pick the 37-year-old if there is a chance that he could cause issues that overshadow their quest for victory in Qatar.
Ronaldo requested a transfer away from Manchester United in the summer, claiming his desire to play in the Champions League, but a deal did not materialize before the September 1 transfer window closed.
Despite the possibility that this may be the last straw for the Red Devils, he might not add to his 342 appearances for the team.
Ronaldo may be released by Manchester United if no suitors come forward in January, which only serves to highlight their desire to have him leave Old Trafford soon.
