Why did Cristiano Ronaldo leave Old Trafford with United's match still ongoing?

Cristiano Ronaldo played his first game of the season with United yesterday after skipping the entire pre-season with the English club and his numerous rumors about his departure from the team. Due to "family problems" the Portuguese did not travel to Australia or Asia to do the preseason with the rest of his teammates, and reappeared a week ago in Carrington to negotiate his departure, looking for a team to play in the Champions League this season 2022/23.

On Sunday afternoon, Cristiano Ronaldo started for Manchester United in the friendly match against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford. After playing the first 45 minutes as a starter, he was replaced at half-time by young Amad Diallo, who scored United's only goal just after the restart. Ronaldo was seen leaving the stadium in the 80th minute of the match, while it was still in progress. An unusual occurrence in the player's career and one that further fuels rumors and reports about his immediate future.

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Looking back, many believe that the reason for the absence of the Portuguese star in those last minutes of the match, was due to his anger with the English club to deprive him of his departure, closing the exit door by all means. A few days before United kick off a new edition of the Premier League, the future of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is still up in the air. The player's intention seems clear, to stop wearing the Red Devils' jersey this summer, but the club is reluctant to accept any negotiation or offer from other clubs that want to sign him, which due to his age and his high salary, there are not many.

The Portuguese left Old Trafford riding in his car, along with Diogo Dalot. The club has refused to say whether this was an act approved by the new coach of the team, Erik Ten Hag, who has always shown interest in the continuity of Ronaldo and has been open to talk to him to convince him not to leave and to be part of the new project in Manchester.

Breach in disciplinary code?

This act, which in some cases could be considered as a breach of the disciplinary code, we will see if it takes its toll on Cristiano Ronaldo who, if nothing changes, will see his team play the first match day of the new edition of the Premier League 2022/23 next Sunday against Marc Cucurella's Brighton, also one of the names on this transfer market.