Ten Hag unhappy with Ronaldo’s “unacceptable” early exit from friendly

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says it was “unacceptable” for Cristiano Ronaldo and other players to leave Old Trafford before the end of Sunday’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano.

After taking a strong team to Oslo to face Atletico Madrid on Saturday, the Red Devils wrapped up the pre-season preparations against another Spanish side the following day.

Manchester United drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford as star man Ronaldo made his first appearance of pre-season, playing the first 45 minutes.

The 37-year-old missed the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia due to a family issue, and he was pictured with Diogo Dalot leaving Sunday’s game before full-time.

Ten Hag did not speak to the media after the match but has now laid bare his annoyance.

“There were many more (as well as Ronaldo) who went home,” the Manchester United manager said.

Asked if he condoned it, ten Hag said: “Certainly not, this is unacceptable for everyone. I tell them that it’s unacceptable, that we are a team, a squad and that you should stay until the end.”

Ten Hag will take charge of his first competitive match as Manchester United manager on Sunday when Brighton arrive at Old Trafford in the English Premier League (EPL).