“As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches. 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,” he wrote on Instagram.

“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.

A press release from Manchester United read: "Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of Manchester United's squad for the Premier League match against Chelsea. The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that match".

After not being played by Dutch coach Erik ten Hag, the Portuguese international left the Old Trafford pitch on Wednesday before the end of the match with Tottenham (2-0) before the end of the 90 minutes.

This season, 37-year-old Ronaldo has only played 12 games, six of which he started in.