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Cristiano Ronaldo act divides football world: 'Embarrassing'

Unused substitute Cristiano Ronaldo was seen storming off down the tunnel before full-time in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Tottenham. Pic: Getty/Twitter
Unused substitute Cristiano Ronaldo was seen storming off down the tunnel before full-time in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Tottenham. Pic: Getty/Twitter

Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked uproar across the football world after storming off down the tunnel before full-time, during Manchester United's 2-0 win over Tottenham.

Ronaldo was left fuming after having to settle for a role as an unused substitute in his side's impressive victory over high-flying Spurs.

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United produced arguably their most complete performance under Erik ten Hag, with the win moving them within a point of the top four.

Second-half goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes ensured victory in a game that saw Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris pull off a string of fine saves to prevent United from winning by a greater margin.

However, the match was somewhat overshadowed by the actions of Ronaldo after the 37-year-old marched off down the tunnel before the full-time whistle had sounded.

Ronaldo has spent large chunks of the season on the bench so far this season under ten Hag, with the Portuguese often struggling when he has been handed a start by the Dutch manager.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner started United's previous match - a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United - but was relegated to the bench in favour for Marcus Rashford against Tottenham.

Ronaldo - who pushed for a move away from the club before the start of the season - was seen warming up on the sidelines a couple of times later on against Spurs.

Seen here, Cristiano Ronaldo warms up on the sidelines during Manchester United's Premier League win over Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo warms up on the sidelines during Manchester United's Premier League win over Tottenham at Old Trafford. Pic: Getty

Ten Hag ultimately decided that he would leave the Portuguese ace on the bench, prompting a walk-off from the star striker.

Many football fans condemned the petulant display from Ronaldo, who has shown his displeasure at being benched on several occasions this season.

However, others argued that the Portuguese star had every right to be filthy after being asked to warm up twice by his manager, without getting on the pitch.

The incident left the football world divided on social media.

Addressing the drama after the game, ten Hag said he was only focused on celebrating the victory, but would deal with Ronaldo over the coming 24 hours.

“I don’t pay attention to that, I will deal with that tomorrow,” the Dutchman said.

“I want to keep the focus on the team, it was a magnificent performance from all the 11 players.

“It was a performance also from the subs that came on. It was a squad performance. We deal with that tomorrow.

“What we have seen today was 11 players who defend, 11 players who attack, there was a lot of dynamic (play).

“I am pleased with that. I will not say I am satisfied because good is not good enough, that has to be the standard at Manchester United."

He added on Amazon Prime Video: “I have seen him (leaving), I didn’t speak to him after. I will deal with that tomorrow.

“Today I enjoyed the performance. We are celebrating this victory and now we have to recover from this and we have a big game against Chelsea, the Premier League is so exciting.”

Alisson spares Liverpool's blushes in West Ham win

Elsewhere, Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez's first goal at home capped an impressive individual performance, with the Reds' 1-0 win over West Ham secured thanks to a penalty save from keeper, Alisson Becker.

Nunez, who arrived in the summer, has had a disjointed start to his career on Merseyside but is already becoming something of a cult figure, thanks no-less to his 22nd-minute header.

The result extended Hammers boss David Moyes' winless run at Anfield to 19 matches and the club's woeful record to one victory since 1963 and just 10 points out a possible 111.

But they may have eked out a point had another South American - Brazil international Alisson - not come to home side's rescue by denying Jarrod Bowen's penalty late in the first half.

The Reds are up to seventh on the table while West Ham drop to 13th.

Newcastle United and Southampton also recorded 1-0 wins.

Paraguay international Miguel Almiron scored a superb goal at St James' Park over a toothless Everton just past the half-hour mark as the sixth-placed Newcastle claimed a fourth win of the campaign and moved to 18 points from 11 games.

Southampton eased mounting pressure on manager Ralph Hasenhuttl by climbing out of the relegation zone thanks to a nervy 1-0 win at Bournemouth.

A Che Adams header proved decisive at Vitality Stadium as Saints ended a five-match winless run and kept a first clean sheet in 17 top-flight games.

with agencies

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