MANCHESTER: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said he had no problem with Cristiano Ronaldo’s protest when he was sent off during the 0-0 draw against Newcastle.

Ronaldo started the game for the first time since the 4-0 thrashing by Brentford in August, but was taken off by Ten Hag with 18 minutes remaining on Sunday.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner showed his displeasure by shaking his head.

“I don’t think any player is happy to be sent off and certainly not Ronaldo. I understand that.

“As long as it’s done in a normal way, I don’t have a problem. Of course he thinks he should stay and score goals. That’s why he’s as good as he is,” said Ten Hag.

The decision to send Ronaldo off was also questioned by United fans after his replacement, Marcus Rashford, squandered a chance to win the game in stoppage time.

However, Ten Hag believe they should have taken the lead through Ronaldo’s goal early in the second half which was later disallowed.

The Portuguese striker was confident the ball was in play when Fabian Schar sent the ball past Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.

United were also charged by the English Football Association (FA) after several of their players protested against the referee, and Ronaldo was shown a yellow card.