Cristiano Ronaldo has accepted the Football Association's charge for violent or improper conduct after slapping a phone out of an Everton fan's hand last season but will defend himself against the threat of a lengthy ban.
The Manchester United forward had until Monday to respond to the charge and is now set to face a hearing with English football's governing body.
Ronaldo was cautioned by police in August following an investigation into the incident, after which the FA launched their own inquiry.
The incident followed United's 1-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park in April, while Ralf Rangnick was still in interim charge at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag, Rangnick's successor, said on Wednesday that United will defend Ronaldo against any suspension as punishment for the incident. "We spoke about that, he will not accept it," he said.
The United manager's remarks initially appeared to suggest that Ronaldo would contest the FA charge. Sources have since clarified that the 37-year-old has accepted the charge and will simply defend himself against a multi-game punishment.
Ronaldo faces the threat of a ban if found to be in breach of FA rule E3 regarding violent or improper conduct.
Upon announcing the charge last month, an FA statement read: Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 for an incident that took place after Manchester United FC's Premier League match against Everton FC on Saturday 9 April 2022.
“It is alleged that the forward's conduct after the final whistle was improper and/or violent.”
United vowed to support Ronaldo in a club statement, released last month, which read: "We note the FA announcement in relation to Cristiano Ronaldo. We will be supporting the player in response to the charge.”
Ronaldo has been only a bit-part player under Ten Hag this season, though Anthony Martial’s injury problems have cleared a path for a return to United’s starting line-up.
"I want to support [Ronaldo] as good as possible, so we have a certain demand on players, what we expect from him in certain positions on the pitch and what I do, as with other players, is I want to get the best out of them,” said Ten Hag ahead of Thursday’s Europa League meeting with Omonia Nicosia.
“He is getting in better shape now and I am happy with that, so he can contribute more to the squad and I'm sure he will do. In the start, it was definitely the case and it's proven once again no one can miss pre-season."
