Monday, August 1, 2022 at 8:26 PM• Mart van Mourik • Last update: 20:29

Kenneth Perez does not think that Erik ten Hag should hand out a penalty to Cristiano Ronaldo. The Manchester United attacker played in the first half of the exhibition game with Rayo Vallecano (1-1) last Sunday and then left Old Trafford before the end of the final whistle. The Portuguese’s action immediately puts the United manager in a diabolical dilemma: to punish or cherish the good atmosphere in the dressing room.

During the program football talk from ESPN The performance of Manchester United and the atmosphere in the group during the preparation are discussed. Valentijn Driessen states that Ten Hag will be faced with a difficult choice due to Ronaldo’s attitude. “The man who determines the atmosphere in the dressing room is only now coming back. I’m really curious what will happen. Ronaldo plays one half, takes a shower and he’s gone. What will Erik ten Hag do with it and what can Erik ten Hag do with it? Can he fine Ronaldo and send Ronaldo away?” Driessen wonders aloud. Perez does not think that Ten Hag should penalize.

“You shouldn’t do that at all, Valentine. What I always hear from the great trainers at the big clubs is that you have to make sure you keep the stars happy, because then it will be fine.” Driessen suggests that it is not in the character of Ten Hag to let Ronaldo’s action go unpunished, but Perez believes that the coach should put his feelings aside. “It would be a mistake if he intervenes, but that is what many Dutch trainers do of course.”

Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford before the final whistle

Cristiano Ronaldo left the stadium early on Sunday.Read article

“The Dutch are of course not good at that, because ‘rules are rules and the stockings have to go up’”, Perez refers to the way Dutch trainers deal with star players at top foreign clubs. “If you’re going to punish, it’s just not smart. The stupidest thing he can do is fine. At least, the great coaches at clubs like Real Madrid all say that you should keep the players happy and that you shouldn’t do too much. Ronaldo will be very decisive for the whole atmosphere, so if you are going to do something with him…”, the analyst said.