Finally, Erik ten Hag breaks silence after Ronaldo abandoned team-mates on the pitch

Cristiano Ronaldo was unnamed in Manchester United’s starting line-up as the Old Trafford side hosted Tottenham on Wednesday night and the Portuguese who ended up as an unused substitute was seen storming down the tunnel before full-time.

Ronaldo was an unused substitute against Tottenham

Interestingly, the Red Devils turned in perhaps their best performance of the season as they dominated Tottenham while handing the White Hart Lane side their second EPL defeat following goals from Fred and Fernandes.

Strangely, Ronaldo who could not wait for the final whistle had left United’s bench and was captured heading down the tunnel with the game in its 88^th minute of play.

And National Daily can confirm that ten Hag who was quizzed on the incident post-match, told Amazon Prime: ‘I’ve seen him. I didn’t speak to him after. I’ll deal with that tomorrow (Thursday).’

Alan Shearer, on commentary on BT Sport, sympathized with ten Hag, insisting the focus will now be on Ronaldo than those who impressed against Tottenham.

‘It’s a difficult situation for him, we are talking about the best player in the world, maybe the best player we have ever seen so he is under pressure from that point of view.

‘But it does make things difficult for the manager because he is going to be asked about that in the press conference.

‘Whereas in reality, he should be talking about every one of his players on the pitch tonight because they have all been impressive.

Marcus Rashford started ahead of Ronaldo up front, despite the Portuguese’s formidable record against Tottenham of 14 goals in 20 games.

Explaining his decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench ahead of kick-off, ten Hag said: ‘You pick the line-up that you think has the most chance to win, and you have a game plan.

‘Cristiano [Ronaldo] is an important player and he can make the goal, he will come on and can make the difference.

‘I have to deal with all the player’s expectations, and I have to deal with developing this team. You have to make a game plan.

‘This is a good Tottenham team, a compact, transition team with high intensity and I think this is the best way to start like this. You get more runs behind, more dynamic up front.’