Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag tried to shield Cristiano Ronaldo from criticism on Friday after the forward left a preseason game early, and insisted that the Portugal star remains part of his plans for this season.

Ronaldo reportedly told United this offseason that he wanted to leave to play for a Champions League club and speculation about his mindset intensified when he was part of a group of players who left Old Trafford without permission before the end of Sunday's friendly against Rayo Vallecano.