Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes Cristiano Ronaldo owes an apology to Manchester United’s manager Erik Ten Hag. The striker decided to walk off the stadium after half-time in the preseason match against Rayo Vallecano on July 31.

Ronaldo was named in the starting XI but he was substituted by the Dutchman after 45 minutes. This didn’t go well with a lot of football experts and Erik Ten Hag also felt Ronaldo leaving the team was unacceptable as they play as a unit.

Murphy feels if Erik Ten Hag decides to start with Ronaldo in their opening clash against Brighton, then he will send a wrong message. In fact, the Dutchman decided not to start with the Portuguese striker on Sunday at Old Trafford.

Writing in his column for Daily Mail, Murphy wrote, “If he starts him (Ronaldo), then he might as well say that Ronaldo can do what he wants, when he wants.That has consequences. It belittles the manager and undermines his leadership and control.”

Murphy added Erik Ten Hag could have communicated to Ronaldo that he would be subbed off at half-time, which would have made things more clear for the linchpin.

“Ronaldo leaving the game early is something that Ten Hag could — and should — have dealt with before it happened. He should have had a conversation with Ronaldo before the game to discuss how long he planned to play him and to make sure he was on board.”

The 45-year-old from Chester reckons Ronaldo should issue an apology to Ten Hag after his behavior.

“Now it’s happened, though, what are the consequences? If I was Ten Hag, I would expect an apology. Ten Hag cannot afford more ill discipline to run through the United camp this term. This has been the problem with United for years. There has been a lack of repercussions, whether it be for a bad performance, bad application or bad attitude. Now, this is about bad behavior.”