Cristiano Ronaldo ‘REFUSED to come on as a sub in Man Utd win over Spurs’ before storming down tunnel and leaving early

CRISTIANO RONALDO has been dumped in Manchester United's Under-21 squad after refusing to come on against Tottenham.

United confirmed the legend has been axed from the senior squad to face Chelsea on Saturday after storming down the tunnel and leaving before full-time in Wednesday's 2-0 home win.

Erik ten Hag's instant punishment for Ronaldo has won "full backing" from club chiefs, according to .

Fred and Bruno Fernandes sunk Spurs in what many believed was United's best display this season.

At 2-0 up, Dutchman Ten Hag brought on winger Antony for anchorman Scott McTominay in the 76th minute.

Then in the closing stages Christian Eriksen came on for fellow midfielder Casemiro and Anthony Elanga replaced Jadon Sancho in attack.

Ronaldo headed off- seemingly in annoyance at not being given even a cameo role.

But say in fact the Portugal superstar was told to go on but "refused his manager’s instructions".

Ron also reacted angrily to being taken off in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Newcastle.

But Ten Hag insisted afterwards he had "no problem" to such public shows of frustration - if done in a "quiet, normal way",

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Now, though, the future of the ex-Real Madrid striker looks even more uncertain than ever.

And speculation over a January exit will spiral - despite little firm interest.

The Athletic quote United as saying: “Cristiano will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s game against Chelsea.

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