‘Turning sour’ - Man Utd agreements on Cristiano Ronaldo decision for Chelsea match

Manchester United have confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will not be in the matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea, after he stormed down the tunnel during the victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

The forward was seen walking from the dugouts on 89 minutes and it has subsequently been reported by The Athletic that he immediately left the ground, while the Daily Mail also claimed he refused to come off the bench in the latter stages.

The 37-year-old watched from the bench as his side beat Spurs 2-0 courtesy of goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes on Wednesday night, a result which sees them remain fifth in the table, but move to within just a point of the top four.

Erik ten Hag gave little away regarding Ronaldo in his post-match press conference: “I don’t pay attention to that, I will deal with that tomorrow. I want to keep the focus on the team,” he told reporters. But a statement on the official club website on Thursday said Ronaldo will not be involved in the upcoming trip to Stamford Bridge.

“Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea,” it read. “The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture.”

Ronaldo has always been a firm fans’ favourite at Old Trafford but the reaction on social media following the announcement shows he has evidently angered the club’s supporterbase.

@BennyL809 - “For someone who’s been literally one of THE best players in the world for so long.....Ronaldo is really coasting downhill fast. You’d think he’d have plenty more grace and professionalism than this absolute car crash of a situation. All very much avoidable.”

@ricketts_jr - “My opinion Let Ronaldo go in January. Sign Ivan Toney.”

@_AdamUTD - “We love Cristiano Ronaldo, but no one is bigger than Manchester United football club.”

@tweetsoftierney - “It was probably inevitable that things would turn sour for Ronaldo, given he very publicly wanted to leave this summer.”

@Johnkin_ - “Absolutely no one is bigger than @manutd, @Cristiano long after you’re gone, our club will still reign Supreme..adios and good riddance.”

@MancSel_ - “No player is bigger than the club argument does not wash with Ronaldo. The Club hasn’t been big for a long time. Where have you been this past decade if you think that?”

@GSG_238 - “ETH did the right thing kicking Ronaldo out. As manager, you have to be strict. Players must respect his manager, teammates and fans.”

@bendavy85 - “Erik Ten Hag said he’d deal with it & he has.”