Ronaldo, who was a substitute and did not take the field in Wednesday’s victory against Tottenham Hotspur (2-0), he left through the locker room tunnel with a few minutes to go before the end of the match after being left on the bench again by coach Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag said after the game that he would discuss the matter on Thursday, adding that his focus was on the team.
“Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s Premier League match against Chelsea,” United said in a statement. “The rest of the squad is totally focused on preparing for that match.”
Ronaldo’s behavior on Wednesday drew criticism. United exporter Peter Schmeichel said the 37-year-old has become a distraction at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo he scored 24 goals in all competitions for United last seasonafter signing for the club for a second spell, but the Portuguese international has only started two league games this campaign.
The Portuguese footballer, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, scored his 700th career goal in United’s victory at Everton this month, adding another milestone to his glittering trophy-laden career.