Manchester United should now promote Charlie McNeill and Joe Hugill after Cristiano Ronaldo axe

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Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo let his teammates down by walking off down the tunnel before full-time at Old Trafford.

The Athletic report he left the stadium instead of celebrating in the dressing room.

Erik ten Hag pledged to ‘deal with’ the Ronaldo situation and The Athletic have since confirmed he will not be part of the squad this weekend against Chelsea.

This is the correct decision for United to make, regardless of whether Anthony Martial is fit or not.

Anthony Elanga could be a fill-in, while Alejandro Garnacho could even be asked to play a central role even though he is better from the wing.

But there are two more young academy strikers who are worthy of being called up.

Promote Charlie McNeill and Joe Hugill

Erik ten Hag has been exploring the qualities of youngsters Charlie McNeill and Joe Hugill over the past few weeks.

Both young strikers have prolific records in Manchester United’s academy teams from under-18 to under-21 level.

Charlie McNeill has scored 46 goals while Hugill is not far behind with 35. Their combined 81 goals shows they know where the net is.

McNeill made his debut in the Europa League against Real Sociedad, while Hugill has featured in first team training over the past fortnight.

Both players should be in Erik ten Hag’s thoughts right now, even if it is simply as a back-up option. A game against Sheriff Tiraspol next week could provide an opportunity.

Ten Hag could make a statement by calling up the pair and leaving Ronaldo out. Manchester United’s academy is one of the club’s great strengths, and McNeill and Hugill are players who are just waiting for an opportunity.

A new striker is likely to be bought by United over the next 12 months, so it is vital to take a proper look at McNeill and Hugill now, while there is a potential chance.

Ronaldo seems to be only interested in himself. McNeill and Hugill won’t come with the same distraction value, and could salvage a big positive from an unhappy situation.