Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence just hours before Man Utd clash at Chelsea following exile by Erik ten Hag

CRISTIANO RONALDO has thrown his support behind his Manchester United team-mates ahead of their trip to Chelsea.

The Red Devils are taking on Premier league rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a 5.30pm kick-off.

But Erik ten Hag and his United squad will be without Ronaldo, 37, who was banished by the Dutch boss for defying his orders.

Ronaldo refused to come on as a late substitute in Man Utd’s 2-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday.

The 700 career club-goal man stormed down the tunnel before full-time, stealing the headlines away from United’s fine performance.

Ronaldo could also be fined two weeks wages for the incident.

Despite not being in the matchday squad, Ronaldo said on Instagram ahead of United vs Chelsea: “Lets go Manchester United.”;

Ronaldo said storming off against Tottenham was in “the heat of the moment”;.

He also called for unity and vowed to not give in to the pressure.

Ronaldo said: “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.

“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 team-mates 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.”;

Ronaldo could have played his last game for Man Utd.

Boss Ten Hag wants Ronaldo GONE, SunSport reported.