LONDON — Erik ten Hag said on Wednesday that
Cristiano Ronaldo will reject an improper conduct charge from the Football
Association after the Manchester United star was involved in an altercation
with an Everton fan last season.
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Video footage showed Ronaldo appearing to knock a
young boy’s mobile phone to the ground after United’s 1–0 defeat at Goodison
Park on April 9.
The 37-year-old was cautioned by Merseyside Police
and the FA last month charged Ronaldo over the incident.
United manager Ten Hag has spoken to Ronaldo and
said the
Portugal striker will contest the FA charge.
“We talked about
that and he will not accept it,” Ten Hag told reporters.
The incident with the Everton fan occurred when
Ronaldo was making his way towards the tunnel and the former
Real Madrid and
Juventus star later issued an apology for his actions.
“It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult
moments such as the one we are facing,” Ronaldo said on Instagram.
“Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful,
patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game.
“I would like to apologize for my outburst and, if
possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford
as a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship.”
Ironically, Ronaldo enjoyed a more positive visit to
Everton on Sunday when he scored his 700th career club goal in United’s 2–1
win.
“I want to support him as much as possible,” Ten Hag
said.
“We have a certain demand on players, what we expect
from them in certain positions on the pitch. But that is as every other player.
“I want to get the best out of him. Obviously he is
getting in a better shape now and I am happy with that, so he can contribute
more to the squad and I am sure he will do.”
Meanwhile, Ten Hag admits he feels sorry for Anthony
Martial after the United forward was sidelined by his third different injury of
the season.
Ten Hag’s arrival injected new life into Martial’s
spluttering United career, with the France international starting up front in
all four matches during the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.
However, a hamstring injury in the final friendly
ruled Martial out of the start of the season, before he sustained an Achilles
issue and was then forced off with a back complaint at Everton.
“He’s not training today. We will see how he
develops by Sunday,” Ten Hag said ahead of Thursday’s Europa League match
against Omonia Nicosia.
“I’ve had several talks with him about that (run of
injuries). I’m really disappointed for him.
“I think from the quality in all the minutes he
played he did very well, also Sunday.
“But obviously he fell out and that’s a
disappointment for him and for the team as well.”
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