Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has claimed it is "unacceptable" that Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates left their pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano early. It comes after the Portuguese international was photographed leaving the game before full-time, continuing rumours surrounding his future.
The 37-year-old is said to be open to a move away from United this summer, with the forward looking to play at the highest level in the twilight of his career. Plenty of sides have been linked with a move, including Chelsea, with new owner Todd Boehly holding talks with agent Jorge Mendes over a potential transfer.
It comes as the Blues look to reshuffle the squad in the transfer market, with club-record signing Romelu Lukaku leaving for Inter Milan on loan. It leaves Thomas Tuchel still needing reinforcements, especially in the forward areas, with the German coaching bemoaning his lack of signings with issues arising from having the "same players" at his disposal.
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However, a move for Ronaldo may shake things up and bring some goals back to the front line. The forward scored 24 goals across all competitions last season, despite the struggles his side went through.
With uncertainty surrounding the next month for the veteran goal scorer, questions have surrounded his push for an exit. He wasn't involved in any of the pre-season action until the Vallecano draw - citing personal reasons - but when he did have his first taste of action, he left the game before the full-time whistle.
While the club came out to say it wasn't only Ronaldo who left at that time, new manager Ten Hag still slammed the decision. He told Dutch media outlets AD and Viaplay, via Sky Sports: "He [Ronaldo] was not the only one who left after half-time, I tell them [the squad] that it's unacceptable. That we are a team, and that you need to stay right until the very end."
It's a huge statement from the Dutch coach, who is looking to lay down the law at Old Trafford. It remains to be seen exactly how involved Ronaldo is in his plans, however leaving early may push the move even further away from the club.
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