"Do your research..." - Erik ten Hag SLAMS journalist following Cristiano Ronaldo question

Erik ten Hag slammed a journalist for not doing their research in relation to Cristiano Ronaldo leaving early against Rayo Vallecano last Sunday.

The Manchester United striker played his first 45 minutes of pre-season in the first half of the game at Old Trafford and was then subbed off by Ten Hag, who had previously suggested that the striker was not yet fully fit.

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After being replaced by Amad, who scored United's only goal of the game just three minutes after coming on, Ronaldo left the stadium with ten minutes still to be played.

He was joined by Diogo Dalot and a number of other United players who were not in the matchday squad.

Attending his pre-match press conference for the Premier League opener against Brighton, Ten Hag was quizzed on the forward's actions during the previous weekend after he brandished the group's actions as "unacceptable" through a Dutch media outlet earlier this week.

However, the manager was not happy with the focus being on United's no.7 since he was one of many who did so.

"There were many players that left (early), but the spotlight is on Cristiano and that's not right.

"So I think (you should) do your research and make out that many players left.

"That's what I said."

When then asked about the striker in a broader sense, Ten Hag was full of praise.

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"I am really happy, I've told you before.

"We planned for the season, we have a top striker.

"I'm really happy he's here, he's in the squad and we stick to the plan."

With Anthony Martial out of the opening fixture with a slight hamstring injury, it is possible that Ronaldo starts the game despite missing most of United's pre-season.

Manchester United

It was previously reported as unlikely with the Frenchman scoring three times and impressing during the tour.

When asked on the possibility, Ten Hag responded with a rather typical blunt answer — "We will see on Sunday," he said with a shy smile afterwards.