Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly refused to come on as a late substitute in Wednesday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Portugal international went down the tunnel before the final whistle had been blown against Spurs, and it is understood that he then left the stadium entirely.
Man United released a statement on Thursday revealing that the 37-year-old had been dropped from the squad for Saturday's game against Chelsea as punishment for his conduct.
Ronaldo then released a statement of his own, insisting that certain things happen in "the heat of the moment".
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag had seemingly decided not to use the attacker against Spurs, with Anthony Elanga and Christian Eriksen instead entering the field in the final stages of the contest.
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However, according to the Daily Mail, Ronaldo refused to enter the field as a substitute, instead heading down the tunnel at Old Trafford.
The report claims that the Portuguese and Ten Hag have been clashing 'on a daily basis', with Ronaldo believing that the team should be playing in a different way this season.
Man United are allegedly open to the former Sporting Lisbon forward leaving during the January transfer window, providing that they can bring in a replacement.
Ronaldo will be made to train alone in the build-up to the Chelsea fixture, but he could potentially be back in the fold for next week's Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol.
The forward has found it difficult to make his mark for Man United this season, managing just two goals and one assist in 12 appearances in all competitions.
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Ronaldo will represent Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, which begins in less than one month, and there have been claims that he has played his last game for the club.
The Red Devils have another seven games before the campaign breaks for the tournament in Qatar, taking on Chelsea, Sheriff, West Ham United, Real Sociedad, Aston Villa twice and Fulham.
Galatasaray have recently been credited with an interest in Ronaldo, but it is unclear whether Man United would be prepared to let him leave on a free transfer in January, six months before the end of his contract.
Ronaldo, who has only started two Premier League games this season, has scored 144 goals and registered 63 assists in 342 appearances for the Red Devils during two separate spells.
Matt Law
