Following Cristiano Ronaldo walking out during Manchester United‘s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur he was suspended by the club. Ronaldo then released a statement in response to the suspension. This statement can be taken as half an apology and half an explanation regarding his actions.
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Following this suspension, Ronaldo has returned to Carrington to train solo with a fitness coach. He will be training with the U21s. Ronaldo’s suspension means he will miss United’s all-important trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.
Fans react to Ronaldo’s suspension
Manchester United fans said that the reaction would have been different, had any other player been involved.
Harry Maguire threw the Captain’s Armband, while being substituted off the pitch, got away with no backlash/suspension. Cristiano Ronaldo walks down the tunnel, gets a suspension 🤷♂️ This club is finished, Man united are a circus not a football club. Dusted. pic.twitter.com/ZNAqYmX5z7
— 🔰UTDJayy🔰 (@Utdjayy69) October 20, 2022
Fans generally agreed with the suspension, saying absolutely nothing is bigger than the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo suspension had to happen, no one is bigger than the club.
— Steph Curry Disciple 🏆👑🇧🇼 (@Edward_G8) October 20, 2022
Some fans were unimpressed by Ronaldo’s statement as well.
Wrote a loooong “statement”, which was more of a bio than an actual explanation. I expected an apology to the young players somewhere in there, but nope. Not the great Cristiano Ronaldo 😅
— Ignatious Msweli 🪔 (@Nhlokzin) October 20, 2022
Fans want to keep Ronaldo and his “toxic” mentality away from the youth team.
Keep this toxic man away from the kids!!!! Terminate his contract
— #1958 (@Mufc_AS) October 21, 2022
Some want to use it as a motivation for the future of Manchester United.
It’s the spark United needs to storm the top 4 and possibly mount a title charge – this is the kind of think that can electrify out of Form players aging players Renewed focus – clear objectives as fans as a club we needed this to be the result – no more embarrassment
— THATFOOTBALLTALK (@unitedfanban) October 20, 2022
While fans’ opinion is closely monitored by clubs, major decisions ultimately lie in the hand of the manager. At this moment, he seems to have the support of both the club and its fans.
Is a relationship between Erik ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo possible?
The relationship between the two seems to be gone beyond repair. Ronaldo’s statement, on the other hand, might be a step in the right direction. Reports do indicate that Erik ten Hag wouldn’t be opposed to including Ronaldo in his plans.
Worth emphasising that Erik ten Hag would want Cristiano Ronaldo as part of his squad. But has to be on his terms as manager.
He has rules + principles, togetherness being key. So consequences follow.
Ten Hag walking the walk.#MUFC @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/dFIrRgVNQ6
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) October 20, 2022
Erik ten Hag would agree to Ronaldo’s return, but only on his terms. He wants Ronaldo to understand that he is the manager and his word goes. He needs Ronaldo to follow his rules, and principles and be a team player. Ten Hag will take action against any player who questions his authority and disrespects the dressing room, as is seen very clearly with him suspending a player even as big as Cristiano Ronaldo.