KEY POINTS

  • Cristiano Ronaldo has a year left on his current contract
  • Ronaldo wants to part ways with Man Utd
  • He started in Man Utd's 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo for his "unacceptable" behavior during a friendly match ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Ronaldo, who missed Manchester United's pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia citing family reasons, returned to the starting XI for their home clash with Rayo Vallecano last week.

The Portuguese forward played for 45 minutes before being substituted by Amad Diallo, who went on to score in the Red Devils' 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. The former Real Madrid star was then pictured leaving the Manchester stadium before the full-time whistle.

The 37-year-old player was subsequently joined by Diogo Dalot and a number of other players, according to Goal.com.

While it earlier was reported that Manchester United officials had no issue with Ronaldo and co. heading home early, boss Ten Hag insisted they did not have his permission.

"Certainly not, that is unacceptable. For everyone. I told them that it was unacceptable. That we are a team, a squad, and that you should stay until the end," Ten Hag told Dutch outlet Viaplay Sport.

Prior to the game against Vallecano, Ten Hag had said Ronaldo could fit into his style of play but was not yet in adequate shape.

"I think he can, but to start with he has to get fit. He’s just started. He's a fantastic football player, he proved it so many times. But you can always be judged by what you are now, what you are presenting now, performing now. The team, and Cristiano by himself, has to prove it," Ten Hag said in an interview, according to The Guardian.

Since Manchester United failed to secure a Champions League spot for the 2022-23 campaign, Ronaldo has informed the club's board that he wants to leave despite having another year left on his current contract.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored seven goals in 10 matches since his return to Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Man Utd in the summer of 2021 for a second spell at Old Trafford AFP / Oli SCARFF

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), but his future is still in the air ahead of Manchester United's Premier League opener against Brighton coming Sunday.

It was previously reported that Manchester United were looking at Bayern Leverkusen's 19-year-old attacker Florian Wirtz as Ronaldo's long-term replacement.

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