Cristiano Ronaldo during the preseason friendly between Manchester United and Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, July 31, 2022. /CFP
You could sense Erik ten Hag's fury when the ashen-faced Manchester United manager was quizzed on Cristiano Ronaldo's early exit from their preseason friendly against Rayo Vallecano.
The wantaway striker, who played the opening half of Sunday's game, was pictured leaving the stadium before the final whistle, igniting a new round of outrage from the Red Devils supporters.
"I certainly don't condone this. This is unacceptable," Ten Hag told the Dutch media outlet Viaplay Sport. "For everyone. We are a team and you have to stay until the end."
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during their preseason friendly against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, July 31, 2022. /CFP
Over the past few weeks, Ten Hag has showed Ronaldo the utmost respect that the Portuguese superstar has earned through his trophy-laden years at Old Trafford.
The Dutch tactician side-stepped questions about Ronaldo's desire to jump ship this summer, explaining his talisman's absence from the team's tour of Asia and even declaring that the 37-year-old could still fit into his style of play despite his advanced age.
However, Ten Hag's patience is understandably wearing thin after Ronaldo's latest antics.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's decision to head home early before the game had even ended could be viewed as a personal affront to a manager who places great value on professionalism, discipline and team spirit.
Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford before Manchester United's draw with Rayo Vallecano ended at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, July 31, 2022. /CFP
The writing was clearly on the wall when Ronaldo, who announced on social media with great fanfare that "Sunday, the king plays," had a touchline spat with Ten Hag during a break in play against Vallecano. He was then substituted at half-time.
As things stand, it appears increasingly certain that Ronaldo's career is set to take a devastating twist, with multiple reports confirming that the veteran will start the new season on the bench when United take on Brighton on Sunday.
It will not go down well for a player of such pedigree, winning mentality and ferocious ambition. But if Ten Hag is to impose his authority and philosophy effectively, then Ronaldo has to be benched.
Cristiano Ronaldo warms up before the preseason friendly between Manchester United and Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, July 31, 2022. /CFP
Gary Neville went a step further. The United legend insisted that the English powerhouse should stop saying Ronaldo is not for sale and let him leave as soon as possible.
"It's unpalatable for me to watch, as an ex-Manchester United captain, and think that the star player is playing up," he told the Overlap Live Fan Debate. "You can't have your star player in a club running the shop."
But sending Ronaldo off is easier said than done. Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid have all ruled out the possibility of signing him. With less than four weeks left before the transfer deadline, time is running out for Ronaldo to find a new home.
A study says Cristiano Ronaldo received the most Twitter abuse out of all Premier League players last season. /CFP
Earlier this week, a study found that Ronaldo was abused on Twitter more than any other Premier League player last season. The report defined an abusive tweet as a message that "threatens, insults, derogates, dehumanizes, mocks or belittles a player."
If Ronaldo's soap opera goes on and becomes increasingly distracting and disruptive for United, the level of animosity he faces on social media in the new season will surely reach new heights.
Sometimes, a sad ending may be the only logical conclusion.