Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has branded Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag a 'clown' for his treatment of striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has started just six matches in all competitions for the Reds this term, with the 37-year-old registering two goals. The Portuguese international has been dropped from the United squad for the match against Chelsea on Saturday evening after he left Old Trafford early during the midweek victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
The former Real Madrid man walked down the tunnel before the full-time whistle against Spurs on Wednesday night, which led to Ten Hag axing the player from his side for this weekend's clash with the Blues, while also forcing the forward to train alone at Carrington.
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While the Premier League season is in full swing, the cricket Twenty20 World Cup began on Saturday morning in Australia, with United tweeting photos of several former cricketers - including Pietersen - with the text: "It's T20 World Cup szn.
"We've welcomed cricketing legends, played at iconic venues and met up with plenty of heroes over the years!"
However, the ex-England captain issued a scathing response to the post, writing: "Please take my picture down?
"I don't want an association with a club that's managed by a clown who is completely disrespecting the greatest footballer of our time.
"@cristiano is the BOSS! That clown who no one will ever remember needs a wake up!"
Ronaldo sent a message to his social media followers after it was confirmed that he had been dropped from the matchday squad for the clash with Chelsea. He suggested that the 'heat of the moment' got the better of him, but vowed to work hard on the training pitch.
The 37-year-old wrote on his Instagram account: "As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches. That hasn’t changed. I haven’t changed.
"I’m the same person and the same professional that I’ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision-making process. I started very young, the older and most experienced players' examples were always very important to me.
"Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented. Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.
"Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game. Giving in to the pressure is not an option.
"It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again."
The Reds can leapfrog Chelsea in the Premier League with a win on Saturday, with the Blues currently one point above United.
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