It’s groundhog day. Cristiano Ronaldo starts from the bench for Manchester United, his body-language shows his disgust with the situation and when he steps on the pitch – if he steps on it at all – it doesn’t get any better.
One of the greatest footballers of all time is in crisis, which most recently led to him throwing in the towel against Tottenham.
Erik ten Hag has suspended him from the team for one game and the Portuguese had to release a statement apologising for his actions.
Erik ten Hag’s reaction after Ronaldo ‘stormed off’ from subs bench in win over Tottenham
He’s now in limbo… What will happen to the superstar?
“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,” Ronaldo wrote.
At first glance, it doesn’t seem to change the decision that Ten Hag made and that is fully supported by the board. Cristiano is not more than the team.
A multi-millionaire
The ramifications don’t end there though, Ronaldo‘s also facing a fine. Reports say it will range from 720,000 pounds to one million, although United have not confirmed anything in any of their official statements.
And despite his remorse, the fact that the decision is backed by the United bosses leaves him in a tough situation.
If nothing changes, he will train on his own and will almost certainly not play at Stamford Bridge.
The next game is against Moldovan side Sheriff, Ten Hag has played Ronaldo in the Europa League but, that may not continue.
However, the World Cup may give Ronaldo the break he needs. It’s only seven games until it kicks off in Qatar – two in the Europa League, an EFL Cup match and four in the Premier League.
Once Ronaldo‘s playing there for Portugal, he’ll hope the rumours subside.
A possible way out
The situation of the Portuguese is completely untenable. Ten Hag’s ignoring his critics: ‘It’s pathetic that he enjoys humiliating Cristiano,’ said controversial personality Piers Morgan.
But the Dutchman is adamant and since pre-season has put the health of the dressing room first.
For example, in that friendly against Rayo Vallecano, he had no qualms in pointing out the Portuguese’s bad behaviour. “It is unacceptable. We are a team and we have to stay until the end,” he said. It looks like that today.
Therefore, Ronaldo faces the exit door. There is an emergency plan, which would include a free exit. Both in the winter and in the summer at the end of his contract.
According to TheI, it is being considered after not being able to leave either to the big clubs he was linked with in the summer, such as Bayern Munich or Atletico Madrid, or that option from Saudi Arabia.
Because, of course, the main blockade to selling Ronaldo is the salary. Ronaldo earns around half a million pounds a week and that is a barrier for any club.
According to The Guardian, there is the possibility of offering to pay the Portuguese half of the salary owed to him (around eight million pounds) in order to activate his departure.
Ten Hag, in any case, would not be averse to Cristiano leaving.
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