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Cristiano Ronaldo pleads with Erik ten Hag

Reports in England suggest there was a conversation between Ronaldo and Ten Hag after the disappointment at Old Trafford.

ADAM VAUGHANEFE

Cristiano Ronaldo has not had the best weekend of his professional career. The Portuguese star was dropped from the Manchester United squad after his refusal to play in the midweek game against Tottenham. The next day, the former Real Madrid forward had to train with the English club’s reserve team.

The Mirror reports that Ronaldo has asked Ten Hag to return to the first-team squad in a private conversation with the manager. He wants to go to the 2022 World Cup in peak condition. He knows that this month is crucial and, at 37, it is his last chance at a World Cup with Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo (R) speaks to Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Fred (L) during the warm up prior to the match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on October 19, 2022. OLI SCARFFAFP

The Madeira native has not got his way this time. In the statement he posted on his social media after the incident, he failed to apologise for his recent behaviour. The Dutch coach had warned that he would speak to him after the match. And a few hours later, at a press conference, he left the issue on the table, even stating that it was not the first time something like this had happened and that he would not allow it. Cristiano has had no choice but to apologise.

Ronaldo on the way out?

Ronaldo’s departure from United is already a foregone conclusion after this snub. He has no support from the club or the playing staff and United could be willing to let him leave for free. By now the player is already working with his agent Jorge Mendes to find a new club. He already tried to leave in the summer and did not achieve his goal of moving to a Champions League club.

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