National Daily can confirm that Manchester United have finally handed Cristiano Ronaldo a punishment after the Portuguese left Old Trafford before the end of Wednesday’s Premier League win over Tottenham.
Strangely, Ronaldo appeared glum on the sidelines despite his team’s dominance and eventual victory before leaving the bench and walking down the tunnel in the 89th minute.
The 37-year-old had briefly returned to the dressing room but left the ground by the time his team-mates returned to celebrate an impressive victory.
Speaking after United’s 2-0 win, Erik ten Hag confirmed he had not seen or spoken to Ronaldo but promised to ‘deal with’ the situation.
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.’
Following a sensational return to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021, Ronaldo largely impressed last season, scoring 24 goals in 38 games in all competitions.
But he has started just two of United’s ten Premier League matches so far this season and also showed his displeasure at being subbed off during Sunday’s goalless draw with Newcastle.
Ronaldo is yet to speak out after his questionable behaviour during Manchester 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 striker 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, National Daily gathered from the widely circulated report that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner disobeyed United’s boss Ten Hag and refused to come on as a late substitute on the night against Spurs and has now been dismissed from playing a part from the squad to face rivals Chelsea on Saturday.