Jose Mourinho's advice on how to manage big-name players has resurfaced on social media after Cristiano Ronaldo was banished from Manchester United's first-team squad.
Ronaldo is currently training on his own after being frozen out of the squad by manager Erik ten Hag after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old was seen heading down the tunnel at Old Trafford before full-time and reportedly left the stadium before the match, which ended in a 2-0 win for United, had finished.
Advert
The relationship between Ronaldo and Ten Hag is clearly at an all-time low, with the Portuguese star seemingly destined to leave in January.
While former Ajax boss Ten Hag has received praise from some for his decision to punish Ronaldo, he has also faced criticism for his treatment of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Piers Morgan has accused Ten Hag of disrespecting Ronaldo, while Kevin Pietersen has branded the Dutch manager a "clown".
Advert
Following the news of Ronaldo's punishment, footage has resurfaced on social media of former Manchester United manager Mourinho discussing how best to manage the biggest personalities in world football.
Mourinho, who coached Ronaldo during their time together at Real Madrid, said: "If you are not able to coach the big players, you are not able to coach anyone.
"It is very important for a coach to understand, you are not going to teach them how to play football.
Advert
"You are not going to teach Ronaldo how to take a free-kick, you are not going to teach [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic how to hold the ball on his chest, you are not going to teach [Didier] Drogba how to attack the first post and score in the air.
"You are going to teach them how to play football, in that team."
Ronaldo took to social media on Thursday to reflect on his behaviour but stopped short of offering an apology to Ten Hag or his United teammates.
"As I've always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches. That hasn't changed. I haven't changed," wrote Ronaldo.
Advert
"I'm the same person and the same professional that I've been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision making process.
"I started very young, the older and most experienced players examples were always very important to me. Therefore, later on, I've always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I've represented.
"Unfortunately that's not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.
"Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was.
Advert
"This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we'll be together again."
Featured Image Credit: Alamy & NetflixTopics: Jose Mourinho, Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Football, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League
