(CNN) –– Cristiano Ronaldo will be left out of Manchester United’s squad for this Saturday’s game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
In a statement on Thursday, the team announced the decision to not have the Portugal striker for the next game. However, the club’s statement made no mention of Ronaldo’s snub as he left the game against Tottenham before the end of the game on Wednesday. The footballer stayed on the substitute bench during that match.
Earlier, Manchester United manager Erik ten Haag said he would wait until Thursday to “deal” with Ronaldo’s early exit.
Ronaldo, who tried to leave United before the start of the season, was an unused substitute in Wednesday’s game after playing a few minutes with Den Haag.
Instead of staying until the final whistle, the Portugal striker left the match at Old Trafford through the tunnel shortly after Ten Hoag brought on Christian Eriksen and Anthony Elanga.
“I’m not focused (on it) today, we’ll deal with tomorrow,” the Dutch coach told reporters when asked about Ronaldo’s early exit. “I want to focus on this team. It was a fantastic performance.”
Ronaldo appeared unhappy when substituted in the 72nd minute of United’s 0-0 draw against Newcastle on Sunday, with Den Haag saying the decision was to keep his strikers fresh ahead of tight games.
In the eight games he has played so far this season – six of them from the substitutes’ bench – Cristiano Ronaldo has scored just one goal.
Speaking to the BBC, former England striker Gary Lineker said the 37-year-old’s early exit was “unacceptable” and “very poor”.
Against Tottenham, Fred’s deflected shot gave United the lead early in the second half, before Bruno Fernandes increased the home side’s lead from the edge of the box.
Thanks to a superb performance from Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, United conceded just two goals, allowing them to move up to fifth in the Premier League table with the win.
In an up-and-down season, Den Haag have recorded wins against Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as humiliating defeats against Brentford and Manchester City.
Next up is Chelsea and this Saturday, Tottenham play at home to Newcastle.
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