Ten Hag understands Ronaldo’s reaction after being substituted

On Sunday, Ronaldo played his first game as a starter following his humiliating 0-4 defeat to Brentford in August, but Ten Hag knocked him out 18 minutes before the end as part of his quest to reach Newcastle’s goal. .

The Portuguese, who has won the Ballon d’Or for the best player in the world five times, seemed completely shocked the moment he left the pitch, but: “I think no player would be happy to leave the pitch, especially Ronaldo”, according to Ten Hag on the eve of the extremely difficult match against Tottenham in “Old Trafford”.

And the new coach of the “Red Devils” team said that “as long as (the reaction) is calm and natural, there is no problem. Of course he is convinced that he has to keep playing and score a goal. That’s why he is. good boy”.

controversial decision

Some United fans have questioned the decision to replace Ronaldo, especially after his replacement, Marcus Rashford, missed a clear chance from a header that would have given his side victory in extra time.

But Ten Hag believes his side didn’t have to wait for extra time to try to score, but rather denied Ronaldo a goal in the opening minutes of the second half.

Ronaldo felt he had not made a mistake and had the right to play the ball into the net after Swiss Fabian Char moved it to his goalkeeper Nick Pope, who didn’t lift a finger.

But referee Craig Pawson was raising his hand to indicate an indirect free kick, waiting for goalkeeper Bob.

And the English Football Association has opened an investigation against some United players who surrounded Pawson to protest his cancellation of the goal, while Ronaldo received a yellow card.

Ten Hag said his players didn’t attack the referee, explaining: “I have to say I don’t think the objections were very strong. They weren’t very aggressive but I don’t know what exactly happens on the pitch because I was so far away.”

“I saw again what happened in the video. There was a touch from the Newcastle player (Shar moving the ball towards his goalkeeper). It was very clear and they (United players) went to the referee to ask for information “.

Ronaldo is also expected to start the game on Wednesday, especially as Frenchman Anthony Martial is not ready to return to the squad, which will likely bring Dane Christian Eriksen back to participate against his former team.