Ronaldo recognises mistake after being dropped by Man Utd

Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged “the heat of the moment” got the better of him during his early walkout from Manchester United’s win over Tottenham, pledging to be “ready for everything” after being dropped by the Red Devils.

United produced one of their best performances under Erik ten Hag during Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Spurs, but the victory was overshadowed by Ronaldo walking down the tunnel before the final whistle.

Ten Hag said after the game that he would “deal with” Ronaldo’s behaviour on Thursday, and the Dutchman followed through on that vow by sanctioning the 37-year-old.

On Thursday, United announced Ronaldo will play no part in Saturday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea, with media reports even suggesting he refused to come on as a substitute against Spurs.

Ronaldo responded to the incident on his official Instagram account, insisting his attitude has not changed.

“As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches,” Ronaldo wrote. “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 gets the best of us.

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“Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my team-mates 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.”

Ronaldo has only started two of United’s 10 Premier League games this season, scoring just one goal in the competition after slipping below Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the pecking order.

The Portugal captain reportedly asked to leave United following their failure to secure a top-four finish last season but saw several rumoured suitors – including Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich – rule out signing him.