Erik ten Hag says he understands Cristiano Ronaldo's reaction to his substitution in Manchester United's goalless draw with Newcastle.
Ronaldo was the only United player to be substituted in the 72nd minute for Marcus Rashford and shook his head at the decision.
Rashford had United's two best opportunities but passed to Fred from an acute angle and nodded wide from Casemiro's cross in the 95th minute.
Also read: United give injury news vs Tottenham
Ronaldo could remain up front against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Wednesday night as Anthony Martial is still out with a back problem.
When Spurs visited United in March, Ronaldo had only scored one goal in 10 games but plundered a hat-trick and the Portuguese also scored the winner at Tottenham last October. The 37-year-old has only scored two in 14 this term.
"I think no player is happy when he comes off, especially Ronaldo," Ten Hag said. "I understand that, as long as it's a quite normal way, no problem with that. Of course, he has the convincement he should stay on, he should score a goal, that's why he is that good.
"I know [he scored a hat-trick against Tottenham last season] and of course, you know for a line-up several facts you count on but also other facts you take account of."
Antonio Conte was open to taking over at United last year but the club passed on the Italian as they stalled on sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the wake of the 5-0 thrashing by Liverpool on October 24.
United stood by Solskjaer for another four weeks and their only win in that time was at Tottenham on October 30.. Spurs dismissed Nuno Espirito Santo two days later and replaced him with Conte.
Ten Hag has never encountered Conte during his coaching career but is impressed by the former Inter Milan and Chelsea coach's pedigree.
"A fabulous manager," Ten Hag enthused. "He's won titles, trophies in the Premier League, in Italy and you can really see his signature in the match from his team. That's a big compliment."
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