Cristiano Ronaldo has been sent an interesting message by manager Erik ten Hag following his angry reaction to being substituted in Manchester United's 0-0 draw with Newcastle United on the weekend.
It has been a difficult start to the 2022/23 season for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner so far, who has been used sparingly by the Dutchman and has played just 340 minutes in the Premier League.
Ronaldo once again cut a frustrated figure this past Sunday when he was substituted off in a goalless draw with the Magpies, shaking his head as he made his way to the touchline.
Ten Hag has stated that he understands the 37-year-old's reaction to being taken off and generally has no issue with that sort of behaviour if it is done in a "normal way".
"I think no player is happy when he [is taken] off, and especially not Ronaldo, I understand that. As long as it is [done] in a quite a normal way, [I have] no problem with that," he said, according to the Daily Mirror.
"He is, of course, convinced that he should stay on and he should score a goal. That is why he is that good."
The ex-Ajax Amsterdam boss was speaking ahead of United's league clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, a team Ronaldo put four goals past last season, including an emphatic hat-trick.
Ten Hag has stated that he is aware of the former Real Madrid talisman's success against the London club last time out, but added that more will be taken into account when choosing his starting XI.
"I know it [the hat-trick], but, and, of course, when you line up several facts you take count of, but also other facts you take count of," he continued.
Ten Hag: Why I Substituted Ronaldo Against Newcastle
Ronaldo has scored just two goals in this campaign so far, with only one of them coming in the English top flight.
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