When Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United many fans hoped it would be the dream reunion, but in recent weeks it has turned into a nightmare. Since the appointment of Erik ten Hag the forward has seen his role in the side significantly reduced and now his future is uncertain.
The situation came to a head against Tottenham Hotspur where Ronaldo refused to be substituted on in the 89th minute and then was filmed walking down the tunnel and reportedly he also left Old Trafford. As punishment United's number seven was dropped from the subsequent squad against Chelsea and not allowed to train with the rest of the squad.
The MEN understands that Ronaldo is set to meet Ten Hag on Tuesday about his immediate and potentially long-term future. But of course the situation has completely dominated the zeitgeist, with the manager, ex-players and pundits all having their say on the situation.
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Ten Hag on the situation
Of course given that it was Ten Hag's decision to drop Ronaldo from the squad, he was asked about it in his press conference. And the manager was clear about how he was handling the situation:
“I think [his standing in the game] is justified because he achieved a lot in his career – it’s so brilliant, but he also has to be aware that you always get [judged] by the moment and how you are acting today. Especially in top sport, it is about today.
"It is not about age or reputation. When you are in top sport you get judged by the moment and how you act; that’s normal. We have to be aware of that – everyone, not only Cristiano, as a team, as a manager and as a club.”
He went on to add, that he still expects to count on him for the rest of the season and would be talking to him this week ahead of United's Europa League fixture against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday.
Roy Keane and Gary Neville
After United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea, Keane and Neville were locked in a heated debate over the handling on the Ronaldo situation on Sky Sports. Neville believed Ten Hag made the right decision while the Irishman believed that the Portuguese forward deserved more respect and should be played more.
At one point, Neville posed the question to Keane: "Do you not think Cristiano Ronaldo should be punished this week?"
Keane made it clear that he felt Ronaldo should be fined for his actions, but added that he believed he shouldn't be on the bench: "Dead right. You're saying he can't deal with being sub. He was top goalscorer [last season]."
Being blunt, referencing Ronaldo's struggles to dealing with being a substitute, Neville said: "He can't."
Keane retorted: "They played Man City a few weeks ago and it could've been 16 [goals they conceded]. The manager says, 'I'm not bringing him on' because he didn’t want to disrespect Ronaldo. He goes to Everton a week later, comes on, scores a goal. Starts against Newcastle…"
This is just an excerpt, but it was clear that there was a divide between the two former United captains.
Graeme Souness
Keane may have defended Ronaldo, but he at least believed he deserved some punishment, Souness speaking on talkSPORT however offered no support for Ten Hag.
He stated: "In five years, Ten Hag will be away from the club and nobody will talk about him and his spell as Manchester United ever again, but Ronaldo will always be remembered as arguably the greatest to have ever kicked a football. Does that give Ronaldo a pass? It does, in my opinion.
"He's one of the game's greats and you have to cut him some slack and keep him on-side. You know that if you've got an unhappy Ronaldo in your dressing room then you've got a major problem. I think this is a problem Manchester United have made for themselves. They have shot themselves in the foot."
So what's next?
Ten Hag is set to hold talks with Ronaldo on Tuesday to discuss the situation and also his role in the team going forward. Whether there will be a positive resolution is yet uncertain.
Ronaldo will be part of Portugal's squad for the World Cup for certain, but after the competition, there are only two games before the transfer window opens, and then the forward could reassess his options going forward. Chelsea have been linked with a move for Ronaldo having considered signing him in the summer while Italian side Napoli are also credited with an interest.
But questions remain. Does he want to leave for a club with Champions League football, or is that no longer a requirement? Or is he happy to remain at United till his contract expires?
The next few days will most likely give United fans a clearer picture.
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