CNN
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said he will wait until Thursday to “face” Cristiano Ronaldo’s early departure during the team’s 2-0 win against Tottenham.
Ronaldo, who had limited playing time under ten Hag and tried to force United out before the start of the season, was an unused substitute in Wednesday’s game.
Instead of staying until the final whistle, the Portuguese forward went through the tunnel with several minutes left in the match at Old Trafford, shortly after Diez Hag brought Christian Eriksen and Anthony Elanga.
“I’m not paying attention (to that) today, we’ll deal with it tomorrow,” the Dutch coach told reporters when asked about Ronaldo’s early exit. “I want to focus on this team. It was a magnificent performance ”.
Ronaldo looked unhappy when he was replaced in the 72nd minute of United’s 0-0 win against Newcastle on Sunday, a decision made by ten Hags to keep his strikers fresh ahead of an intense string of matches.
In his eight appearances so far this season, six of them off the bench, Ronaldo has only scored once.
Speaking to the BBC, former England striker Gary Lineker said it was “unacceptable” and “so poor” that the 37-year-old left the game early.
Against Tottenham, a deflected shot from Fred put United ahead at the start of the second half before Bruno Fernandes increased the hosts’ lead from the edge of the box.
It was largely thanks to the excellence of Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris that United only scored two goals, climbing to fifth in the Premier League standings with the win.
In a fluctuating season, the team of ten Hag have now recorded wins against Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as humiliating losses against Brentford and Manchester City.
The next is a trip to Chelsea on Saturday, while Tottenham will play at home against Newcastle.
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