Pundit lambasts Cristiano Ronaldo after ‘big’ new Man United twist
Gabby Agbonlahor has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo for leaving at half-time as Man United drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano in a pre-season friendly on Sunday (31 July).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker claimed Ronaldo’s actions are “baffling” as there is no reason to leave early.
The 37-year-old played the opening 45 minutes at Old Trafford in his first appearance of pre-season.
Sky Sports initially reported that the club had no issues with Ronaldo’s premature exit.
But Erik ten Hag told Dutch outlet Viaplay on Wednesday (3 August) that the striker’s behaviour was “unacceptable”.
“It’s a very big deal,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“First of all, what are they in a rush to get home for? I’ve never known in a pre-season friendly for a player to leave at half-time.
“Players will get showered at half-time because they played the first half, then they would come out and watch their teammates play the second half.
“Why would a manager like Ten Hag who is trying to build that strictness let players leave? It just looks so bad on Man United.
“It might not have just been Ronaldo but why, a senior figure and captain material, is he leaving?
“I’m sure Harry Maguire wouldn’t have left at half-time.
“It’s a big deal and it shows the togetherness. Even if you got offered the chance to leave, why would you want to? Where are you rushing off to? Afternoon tea in Wilmslow?
“There’s no rush to get off. Watch your teammates. It really baffles me.”
In other news, four offers have been tabled, including two from the Premier League, for a Man United 28-year-old.