Why isn't Cristiano Ronaldo playing today? Man United star missing from lineup against Chelsea

The agonising second season of Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United comeback has hit a new low. 

The highest scoring player in the history of men's football has started just two matches for Erik ten Hag's side since the Premier League season kicked off.  

United play Chelsea on Saturday in a critical match for the Old Trafford club, but Ronaldo won't even be among the substitutes in London.

The Sporting News is on hand to explain why the Portuguese superstar won't be playing.

MORE: Chelsea vs. Manchester United live score, updates, highlights and lineups from Premier League clash

Why is Ronaldo not playing for Man United this weekend?

Ronaldo's rising frustration finally spilled in the final moments of United's 2-0 victory over top four rivals Tottenham at Old Trafford. 

The Portuguese forward had spent the entire match on the sideline and when Ten Hag asked him to prepare for a late substitution, the Dutch coach claims Ronaldo refused. 

Moments before the final whistle the 37-year-old sullenly walked down the tunnel, briefly stopping in at the dressing room before leaving the stadium. 

The gesture was a clear show of defiance and disrespect towards Ten Hag, and in response the club announced Ronaldo would not be part of their squad for Saturday's match.

Ronaldo previously sulked off early during a friendly match against Rayo Vallecano, and reacted angrily to his substitution against Newcastle last week. 

Ronaldo's Manchester United future

Ronaldo was linked with a transfer this summer after United finished a woeful season without silverware in sixth-place in the Premier League. 

The forward was the club's top-scorer in 2021/22 and no doubt expected to continue playing a pivotal role under new boss Ten Hag.

However, the Dutch coach has preferred Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the striking role this season – a huge blow for the veteran, who has big ambitions for the Qatar World Cup, surely his last. 

Ronaldo's Old Trafford contract will expire next summer. It looks highly unlikely that the one-year extension option will be triggered, and clubs across Europe and the MLS will be lining up for his signature. If Ronaldo can't put his frustrations aside in the coming months then we could see him linked with a January exit too.

What has Ronaldo said?

Ronaldo took to Instagram on Thursday to have his say after United announced his suspension. 

"As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches," the forward 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."

Ronaldo insisted he takes pride in setting an example to United's young players but: "Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment get’s the best of us."

He continued: "Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything. 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."

What has Erik ten Hag said about Ronaldo's future?

In his press conference immediately after United's victory over Tottenham, Ten Hag's only words on the Ronaldo issue were: "I don't pay attention to that, I will deal with that tomorrow. I want to keep the focus on the team."

The Dutch boss went into depth on Friday, confirming that Ronaldo had refused to come on, saying: "What [happened in] the talk is between Cristiano and me.

"I'm responsible for the top sport culture here and I have to set standards and values, and I have to control them.

"After Rayo Vallecano I said it's unacceptable but he wasn't the only one. That is for everyone, when it's the second time it will have consequence. That is now what we did. We'll miss him tomorrow, it's a miss for the squad but I think it's important for the attitude, mentality for the group."

Explaining Ronaldo's punishment, he said: "I think it will be a reflection for him and also for everyone else.

"I set a warning at the start of the season and the next time it has to be consequence. When you are living together, playing together, football is a team sport and you have to fulfil certain standards and I have to control it."

Ten Hag insisted Ronaldo "remains an important part of the squad."

Ronaldo's Manchester United record

Ronaldo hasn't scored less than 20 goals in a season since he was 21-years-old, but the legendary forward is on track to fall well below that mark this season. 

Here's a look at his goals record in all competitions at United.