Diogo Dalot has become the first Manchester United player to publicly disagree with Erik ten Hag's use of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese superstar has started just two games in the Premier League this season, with most of his minutes coming in the Europa League. The attacker has appeared to clash with Ten Hag several times, with the biggest coming last week when he stormed off before the end of United's win over Tottenham.
Following the game, Ten Hag showed his delight with his team's performance, hinting his side had played better without the 37-year-old. He insisted his focus was on the team, rather than Ronaldo's actions.
“I am pleased with the team – it was the best performance so far this season so you see a team developing, you already see the last weeks [how] we want to play. We get every day better on the pitch. Not every game will be like today but Spurs is a magnificent team and it was really enjoyable to watch," he said.
"We want to focus on this team, it was a magnificent performance from all 11 players. I enjoyed the performance – we are celebrating this victory. What we see today is 11 players who defend and 11 who attack and there was a lot of dynamic in the attack.”
Ronaldo was taken out of contention for the draw at Chelsea before returning to the United team for Thursday's win over Sheriff. The attacker scored United's final goal of the 3-0 win, which booked their place in the knockout stages.
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And following that scoring return to action, Dalot has come out in support of his countryman. He made it clear that he believes Ronaldo is crucial to United's success whenever he plays.
"I mean obviously, everything that happened is private, we want to keep it inside the locker room. I think that we as team, this is what should happen, we are just very happy to have Cristiano," he told Sky Sports.
"Yesterday, he scored a goal, I mean this is what he has been doing for 20 years now and every time he's on the pitch, every time he's helping us we are a better team and we are just happy that he is here."
Dalot's contract expires at the end of this season, though United do have the option to extend it by a further year. Rather than focus on his future though, Dalot has insisted he is concentrating on helping Ten Hag to change the club's fortunes.
"It's not worth too much to think about it at this time. We are in the process where we have to improve our game as a team, focus on the club and the team. Individuals will have to come out at this time," he added.
"There's a World Cup coming, so I don't think it's the time to think about it, I'm just happy to be helping this club. I love to play for this club and I think I show that every single time I step on the pitch at Old Trafford and wear this badge."
