Cristiano Ronaldo has given his Manchester United teammates some words of encouragement ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea.
The 37-year-old striker won't be involved in Saturday's match after manager Erik ten Hag took command and dropped him from his squad. Ronaldo stormed down the tunnel before full-time during the Red Devils' excellent 2-0 win at home Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday after refusing a late cameo, and left Old Trafford before his teammates had even got back into the dressing room.
Receiving a fine in the region of £1million for his behaviour and being made to train alone until United return from west London, Ronaldo will watch this evening's game from home after not travelling with Ten Hag and co on Friday. And while he's got some spare time on his hands, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has sent his fellow Red Devils a message ahead of kick-off.
Ronaldo shared an Instagram story in the afternoon, posting an image of United celebrating in one of their recent games with the caption: "Let's go @manchesterunited."
It isn't the first time that the Portuguese megastar has been active on social media since his Tottenham tantrum, having posted a 170-word statement in reaction to his punishment on Thursday. Ronaldo took responsibility for his behaviour but notably didn't apologise, which Ten Hag has ordered him to do before he can be selected again.
"We will first talk," the United boss explained on Friday. "We set certain standards. That is for any player. I think everyone understands that both [actions] are not acceptable so I don’t want to grade it [which is worse]. Both are not acceptable and that is why he gets some days off. He has to live, like anyone else, along certain standards and the standards we set this season."
Ten Hag's decision leaves him short of forward options for the trip to Chelsea, but he insists there must be "consequences" after Ronaldo - along with a number of other players - also left a pre-season friendly with Rayo Vallecano in July before the final whistle without his manager's permission.
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"It is a difficult decision, it's clear," the Dutch tactician, who was appointed in May to reset the culture at the club, went on to say. "But there has to be consequences for bad behaviour and when it is the second time. You can't let it go, otherwise it will be miserable for the future. You have to take this measure. I don’t like it because I prefer the squad with Cristiano onboard."
Ten Hag added: "When I got appointed, I talked to the directors about the culture - top sport culture, standards. They did some background [checks] and we had talks about how I lead, what my personality is and how I do it in a strategic way and about my standards and leadership. To get top sport culture and to set the highest standards, we have to live them.
“It's not about me. It's about the club. I have to take the decisions in the interests of the club and the team especially. It doesn't matter who it is - the age or reputation. Also with my line-up, I have to pick the team which I think has the best chance to win. I think it will be a [time for] reflection for him [Ronaldo], but also for everyone else. I sent a warning at the start of the season. Next time there have to be consequences."
