Cristiano Ronaldo has been named captain Manchester United against Aston Villa just weeks after he walked out against Tottenham Hotspur.
Bruno Fernandes’ absence necessitated this move for their clash against Aston Villa. The move comes just weeks after the Portuguese striker left the stadium early against Tottenham Hotspur.
Ten Hag’s explanation of his decision was premised on the fact that Harry Magurie was only on the bench and Bruno Fernandes got suspended. Despite Ronaldo’s misconduct -18 days after he refused to come on against Tottenham, an indiscretion for which he was dropped from the next squad and banished from first-team training.
Nothing changed, when you are captain and leader you have to set an example and that is what I expect from him. He is an important part of the squad, we are happy with him and now he has to take even more of the leader role. Ten Hag explained.
In a Twitter post ahead of their game, the team informed fans about Fernandes’ (suspended) replacement, Marcus Rashford.
man united’s post on twitter
Ronaldo’s walkout against Spurs triggered issues for Erik Ten Hag in the following days. The striker missed a crunch match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and it ramped up feeling that the striker is probably planning a move in the January transfer window.
Some fans were unhappy about the move as Ronaldo’s action was apparently regarded by many as disrespectful.
Erik Ten Hag insisted the decision to make Ronaldo captain was a right decision which may position him in a leadership role to demonstrate responsibility towards his teammates, fans and the team as a whole.
