Cristiano Ronaldo vows to 'keep working hard' after exclusion from Man Utd squad

The Portuguese left Old Trafford during the win over Spurs and has been left out of plans for Chelsea. 

BENCHED: Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he'll 'keep working' on the training ground, in the wake of Erik ten Hag's decision to exclude him from the Man Utd squad for this weekend's game with Chelsea. 

Ronaldo left the Old Trafford bench before full-time in United's league win over Tottenham on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old walked down the tunnel in the 89th minute, having remained an unused substitute.

Manager Erik Ten Hag had vowed to "deal with" the issue and today the club announced their talisman would not travel to Stamford Bridige.

"As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches," a statement from Ronaldo reads. 

"That hasn’t changed. I haven’t changed. I’m the same person and the same professional that I’ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision making process.

"I started very young, the older and most experienced players examples were always very important to me. Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented. Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment get’s the best of us.

"Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again."

Earlier, the club confirmed the decision from ten Hag. 

"Cristiano will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday's game against Chelsea," a United statement read.

"The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture."

Ronaldo has cut a divisive figure at Old Trafford this term, struggling for game time and appearing annoyed at having to prove his worth to boss Ten Hag.

The decorated striker had been linked with a summer move away from United but no deal materialised.