“There has to be consequences” says Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. Hag, who was speaking at a press conference addressed issues raised regarding Ronaldo being dropped from the squad ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.

“The talk is between Cristiano and me. The statement is clear. It is also in the statement that he remains an important part of the squad,” Ten Hag said.

United of course released the statement to confirm his absence following the walk-off.

“I am the manager, I am responsible for the culture here. I have to set standards and values and have to control them. We are in a team” the Dutchman added.

“After Rayo Vallecano, I said it was unacceptable, but it wasn’t just him. The second time there has to be consequences. That is what has happened ” he added.

He also noted that Ronaldo’s absence from the Tottenham game was of his own doing as he refused to come on as a substitute. Which no doubt would have also factored in the decision to drop the striker.

“We [will] miss him tomorrow, that is a miss for us and the squad, but I think it is important for the attitude and mentality of the group and now we have to focus on Chelsea – that is the most important ” he added.

Ronaldo had left Old Trafford before full-time after leaving the bench and walking down the tunnel in the 89th minute of United’s 2-0 win.

On Thursday, Ronaldo said “the heat of the moment” had got to him, however, had seemingly stopped short of apologising.

Fifth-place United will enter Saturday’s game just one point behind fourth-place Chelsea with Ten Hag assuring that his players would not be ‘distracted’ by this week’s drama.

“It’s part of playing in top football,” he said.

“There are rumours and noise and you can’t get distracted, you have to remain on the job and get the result ” he added.