Cristiano Ronaldo has been dropped from the Manchester United’s squad to face Chelsea this weekend.
The Portugal international left Old Trafford before the end of Wednesday’s Premier League victory over Tottenham.
Ronaldo looked glum on the sidelines despite the club’s dominance, he left the bench and walked down the tunnel in the 89th minute.
The 37-year-old briefly returned to the dressing room but had left the ground by the time his team-mates returned to celebrate a very impressive victory.
Speaking after United’s 2-0 victory, Erik ten Hag confirmed he had not seen or spoken to Ronaldo but promised to ‘deal with’ the issue.
A statement from Manchester United read: ‘Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea.
‘The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture.’
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After a sensational return to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021, Ronaldo largely impressed last campaign, scoring 24 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions.
But he has started just two of United’s ten Premier League games so far this season and also showed his displeasure at being subbed off during Sunday’s draw with Newcastle.
Ronaldo is yet to speak out after his questionable behaviour during United’s clash with Spurs but wanted to leave last summer and will renew his efforts to find a new club in January.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus star has been widely condemned for his recent behaviour, with United legend Peter Schmeichel admitting ‘it is the first time I can say I’m disappointed with him’.
‘Normally I back him,’ Schmeichel said on BBC Radio 5 Live. ‘But we don’t need distractions like this. It’s a disappointment, I would say.’
Meanwhile, it has been widely reported that Ronaldo disobeyed Ten Hag and refused to come on as a late substitute against Tottenham.
United travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday to face a Chelsea team who are just one point above them, sitting fourth in the Premier League.
