Erik ten Hag slams 'unacceptable' Cristiano Ronaldo for leaving Manchester United friendly early

Erik ten Hag has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo over his “unacceptable” behaviour after the wantaway striker made an early exit from Manchester United’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano.

And United’s problems on the eve of the new season were piling up with Chelsea attempting to hijack their protracted move for Ten Hag’s No. 1 transfer target Frenkie de Jong.

Ten Hag was left fuming after Ronaldo - who wants to quit the club - and some of his United team-mates left before the end of Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Vallecano.

Asked if Ronaldo and the other players involved would be fined, United sources said the situation was an internal disciplinary matter but Ten Hag made no attempt to hide his anger in an interview with Dutch television.

“I certainly don’t condone this,” Ten Hag told Viaplay Sport Netherlands. “This is unacceptable. For all those involved. We are a team and that means you have to stay until the end [of the game].”

The latest drama surrounding Ronaldo comes as United face the threat of missing out on De Jong to Chelsea, who have emerged as serious contenders for the Netherlands midfielder after holding talks with Barcelona and the player’s representatives.

United have agreed a £72 million fee with Barcelona for De Jong but their pursuit has dragged on all summer and a hold up over deferred wages owed to the player could now play into the hands of Chelsea, who can offer Champions League football unlike United. 

The prospect of missing out on De Jong would be a huge blow and embarrassment to United as they wrestle with the latest headache over Ronaldo.

Gary Neville, the former United captain, has urged United to let Ronaldo leave after claiming you “can’t have your star player … running the shop” and “playing up”.