Cristiano Ronaldo speaks out after Erik ten Hag blasts ‘unacceptable’ Manchester United star

Cristiano Ronaldo has released a defiant statement after Erik ten Hag slammed the striker for leaving Old Trafford before the end of Manchester United’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano.

After being replaced at halftime by Amad Diallo, the 37-year-old was seen exiting the Theatre of Dreams during the second half of United’s 1-1 draw with the La Liga side.

Ronaldo was not the only player to leave the stadium early, but he garnered the most attention, especially because the Portugal captain has requested to leave the club.

Ten Hag told the Dutch newspaper AD that Ronaldo “was not the only one who went after half-time, and I tell them [the players] that it’s wrong.” That we are a team, and that you must stay to the end.’

Ronaldo was believed to be ‘enraged’ by Ten Hag’s public scolding, which convinced him that he needs to quit Old Trafford.

But, with United being steadfast in their determination to keep Ronaldo, it appears that the striker will not be granted his ambition to leave the club.

In a thinly veiled message to Ten Hag, Ronaldo said on Instagram today that the ‘hard work in training is still ongoing.

‘Step by step,’ Ronaldo wrote, adding the hashtag ‘hard effort’ to his tweet.

Ronaldo shared a photo of himself training with Lisandro Martinez, Fred, Raphael Varane, Anthony Elanga, and Diogo Dalot on his Instagram story.

Ronaldo wrote ‘Done’ over the photo, and the forward’s message comes as United prepares to play Brighton without Anthony Martial for the first time this season.

The Frenchman has a slight hamstring strain and will miss the Seagulls’ journey to Old Trafford.

With such little depth, United may be compelled to start Ronaldo, despite the fact that he has only played 45 minutes of pre-season.