Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy was not impressed at all after Cristiano Ronaldo decided to leave the stadium after he was substituted by Erik Ten Hag at the half-time in the club friendly against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Murphy criticized Ronaldo for his actions and believes it sends a horrible message and should be dealt with.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo played for the first time in the preseason for Manchester United after missing the club’s tour matches in Thailand and Australia citing personal reasons.

However, as he wasn’t playing at the top of his game, Erik Ten Hag decided to substitute him.

Danny Murphy said while talking to Sky Sports, via talkSPORT, “Well it doesn’t look good. I don’t think whatever your grievances are or however big a name you are you should do that. I think it gives a horrible message and it has to be dealt with.”

“You can’t have a player doing that, it sets a horrendous example.”

On the other hand, former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O’Hara was also not happy with Ronaldo’s decision to walk away after half-time.

“He’s one of the greatest players ever but he’s still got to be a part of a squad and a part of a team. If he’s been dragged at half-time and left, that’s not good. You can’t do that as a player.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United will begin their Premier League campaign against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

When Ronaldo rejoined the squad, Erik Ten Hag stated that the talisman is not at par with squad fitness and he will need to catch up. Thus, it is expected that Ronaldo could be benched for the season’s opener against the Seagulls.

Ronaldo will look to hit the ground running at Red Devils and replicate his previous season performance as he had scored 18 goals and provided three assists in the last edition.