Ten Hag wants Ronaldo to stay at United despite disciplinary issues

Erik ten Hag said Friday there are no plans for Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United in the January transfer window and that he remains an important player for the rest of the campaign.

The United manager confirmed Ronaldo was axed from Saturday's squad to face Chelsea because he refused to come on as a substitute during Wednesday's convincing 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur and left Old Trafford early.

However, Ten Hag said he plans to offer Ronaldo a quick route into first-team consideration provided they have a successful conversation Monday.

"I don't want to miss him - I want him to be in the squad and be involved for every game because he has an impact," Ten Hag said, according to The Guardian's Jamie Jackson.

"I count on Cristiano (until the end of the season)," the Dutchman added after dismissing reports Ronaldo would depart this winter as just "speculation."

Ronaldo's punishment follows a rocky few months for the superstar. In addition to not getting a summer transfer despite requesting to leave the club, the Portuguese attacker angered Ten Hag when he and other players left before the end of a friendly against Rayo Vallecano after being substituted at halftime.

He's also been visibly frustrated with his reduced minutes at United, including when he shook his head while being substituted during last weekend's 0-0 home draw with Newcastle United. In response to his actions, Ten Hag suggested Ronaldo should protest in a "quiet, normal way."

Ronaldo's fury during the morale-boosting victory over Spurs was the final straw for Ten Hag, who said it was his duty to "set standards and values" at the club. Ten Hag added that he believes United fans would be justified in turning on Ronaldo until he corrects his behavior.

Ronaldo's suspension from first-team duties could end as early as Thursday's Europa League visit from Sheriff Tiraspol.

"(He) has to be aware that you always get (judged) by the moment and how you are acting today," the former Ajax handler said. "Especially in top sport, it is about today. It is not about age or reputation. When you are in top sport you get judged by the moment and how you act; that's normal. We have to be aware of that - everyone, not only Cristiano, as a team, as a manager, and as a club."