On social media platform X on 5/10, Manchester United posted a video from a 2021-2022 season match. The clip depicted Ronaldo failing to chase down an overhit pass from a teammate. Subsequently, Edinson Cavani, despite starting later, pursued the ball relentlessly, pressured the opposing defender, and successfully won possession.
"That's effort," Manchester United commented.
Video posted on Manchester United's social media account.
The reason for Manchester United's post remains unclear. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo speculated the message was a subtle jab or a joke targeting Ronaldo. "The video makes Ronaldo look bad for giving up on that play," the newspaper remarked.
A similar video on YouTube also garnered significant attention. Many viewers criticized Ronaldo, praising Cavani's tireless fighting spirit. "This video says it all. This is why the Portugal national team plays better without Ronaldo," one viewer commented.
Manchester United's video emerged as Ronaldo faces a serious dispute with the Portugal national team's leadership. On 30/9, the 41-year-old team captain reportedly abandoned the training camp with 2 matches remaining, without personal reasons, injury, or expulsion. This incident has sparked global debate regarding the professionalism and team spirit of a player widely considered among the greatest in history.
The controversy began when Jorge Jesus, Portugal's new national team coach, called up Ronaldo for the 4 initial Nations League group stage matches. Initially, Marca reported that both agreed Ronaldo would play the 1st and 4th games.
In the opening 1-0 victory against Wales on 24/9, CR7 started, scoring a disallowed goal. 3 days later, against Norway, after Erling Haaland equalized, coach Jesus changed his mind, asking Ronaldo to warm up for a substitution. However, after Goncalo Ramos made it 2-1, Jesus opted to secure the win, foregoing the captain's planned entry. Following the final whistle, while other substitutes applauded the fans, Ronaldo departed for the locker room visibly upset.
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Ronaldo applauds while warming up for the Portugal - Wales Nations League group stage match on 24/9, in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: *AP*
The situation escalated on 29/9. While teammates resumed training, Ronaldo briefly appeared at the camp before returning to his hotel for a solo gym session. In a subsequent press conference, coach Jesus stated he had no issues with Ronaldo but asserted his authority over professional and personnel decisions. CR7 was reportedly furious with the coach's remarks and conduct, particularly the request to warm up without playing.
On 30/9, Ronaldo withdrew from the camp despite pleas from the coach and Pedro Proenca, President of the Portuguese Football Federation. The 41-year-old superstar also promised to reveal "the truth" at an appropriate time.
For now, Ronaldo's departure has not significantly impacted the national team. Portugal won all 4 initial Group 4 Nations League A matches (Wales 1-0, Norway twice 2-1, and Denmark 4-2), securing the 1st quarterfinal spot.
After the return leg against Norway on 4/10, when questioned about apologizing for the Ronaldo controversy, coach Jesus declined, asking who he should apologize to and for what. He conceded Ronaldo might be disappointed about warming up without playing but asserted this is a common occurrence for any player.
Ronaldo became a superstar during his initial tenure at Manchester United from 2003 to 2009, securing 1 Champions League and 3 Premier League titles. However, his return from 2021 to 2022 saw the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner create a stain on his career. Following disputes with former coach Erik Ten Hag over playing time, Ronaldo gave an interview accusing the coach of disrespect and the club of betrayal. Soon after, he terminated his contract early and departed Old Trafford.
Thanh Quy (according to O Jogo, Marca)
