Focused Ten Hag winning the discipline war at United

The Red Devils boss dropped Marcus Rashford and batted away questions about Ronaldo.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring before the goal is ruled out for handball during the Premier League match at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton. Picture  David Davies/PA Wire. 

In his post-match media conference at Molineux, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was brutal when asked to comment on Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. “I don't talk about the past,” Ten Hag said, “let's talk about the future.” 

It was a short, sharp and necessary slapdown, and it suggests that the manager will not let up in his battle to impose his rule as a way of making United successful again. Ronaldo’s explosive television interview with Piers Morgan in November was a huge test of Ten Hag’s authority at Old Trafford; that the manager came through it on top is a sign that he has the strength of character needed for the job.