Pundit slams ‘Cristiano Ronaldo show’ after ‘unacceptable’ new Man United twist
Noel Whelan has claimed Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Old Trafford mid-match is yet another “massive” sign of his willingness to force his way out of Man United.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Red Devils must give the 37-year-old an option to depart this summer.
As seen on Twitter, Ronaldo was pictured leaving Old Trafford prior to the conclusion of Man United’s friendly win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday (31 July).
The Portugal international played for the first time under Erik ten Hag after missing the Red Devils’ previous five pre-season games.
Ronaldo has made no secret of his desire to leave the club after their failure to qualify for the Champions League last season.
Whelan claimed “the Cristiano Ronaldo show” is distracting from Ten Hag and his new signings just days from the big kick-off on Saturday (6 August).
“It’s not acceptable for a player to leave at half-time,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“You ask anyone in football – pundit, player, ex-player. You stick around and support your teammates.
“He’s continuing to show massive signs that he wants to push to leave the club. I think Man United need to make it happen.
“It’s becoming more and more about the Cristiano Ronaldo show than it is about the new season and the new manager.
“The season starts in less than a week. If he wants to leave, then give him an option.
“All we’re talking about now is Ronaldo. Not Eriksen, Martial, or Martinez – it’s all negative energy surrounding Ronaldo.
“This is dragging on and becoming a saga that Man United do not want.”
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