Cristiano Ronaldo to train with Manchester United Under 21s as he returns to Carrington

The exiled Cristiano Ronaldo got a taste of life on Erik ten Hag’s mischievous step when he arrived at Manchester United Under-21s for training on Friday morning.

The Portuguese star, who was revealed exclusively by Sportsmail, declined to come on as a substitute in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham, arriving at 8.30am before joining the youth team’s morning training session.

Ronaldo’s resistance saw him knocked out and relegated from the first team and he will not play a part in this weekend’s game against Chelsea, instead having to spend his time with the reserves.

In notable scenes at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, Ronaldo grumbled his way through the tunnel before the match was over.

In the 89th minute, he got his things from the dressing room and left Old Trafford before the final whistle.

The public nature of his departure meant that Ten Hag and United had no choice but to intervene.

The incident has placed their fragile working relationship under intense scrutiny and has cast even more doubt on Ronaldo’s future as his first-team exile begins on Friday as the rest of Ten Hag’s squad prepare for Chelsea.

It is clear that the player has shown thinly veiled disdain for Ten Hag and his coaching team, to the extent of blatantly ignoring a senior staff figure.

The Portuguese star released a statement on Instagram on Thursday night, but did not apologize

Ronaldo was openly critical of the training and believes that United should play in a different way.

“As I have always done in my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my opponents and my coaches. That has not changed,” Ronaldo said in a statement on Thursday, trying to defend his early departure.

‘I have not changed. I am the same person and professional that I have been in elite football for the past 20 years, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision-making process.”

More to follow.