Graham Potter refused to get involved in Manchester United’s decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo for their game against Chelsea.
Erik ten Hag’s side head to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, but Ronaldo won’t be with them when they make the trip down south to the capital.
During Man United’s 2-0 win over Spurs on Wednesday, Ronaldo refused to come on as a late substitute and instead made his way down the tunnel before the end of the game.
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It was a decision that didn’t go down well with Ten Hag. The club confirmed he would not be involved, releasing a statement: “Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea.”
Ten Hag offered more clarity ahead of the game, saying: “What's the talk if you ask about that is between Cristiano and me. I think the statement is also clear.
“I'm the manager. I'm responsible for the culture and I have to set standards and values, and I have to control them.
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"We are in a team and in a team we have standards and values, and we have to control it.
“So after Rayo Vallecano I said it was not acceptable, but he was not the only one. That was for everyone. So when it's the second time, that will have consequences, and that is what we did. So we miss him tomorrow and that is a miss for us and the squad.
“It's a miss, but I think it's important for the attitude for the mentality for the group, and now we have to focus on Chelsea and that is the most important (thing).”
Chelsea head coach Graham Potter was also quizzed on Ronaldo’s absence and United’s handling of the matter. But the 47-year-old refused to comment due to not knowing the ins and outs of the whole situation.
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"I can't really comment, he's (Erik ten Hag) taken his stance,” said Potter in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“Then you need the club to support. It's difficult for me to comment because I don't really know what's happened, I don't want to go off headlines."
Chelsea are looking to extend their unbeaten start under Potter to eight games on Saturday. Potter has already beaten Man United this season with Brighton, winning 2-1 at Old Trafford on the opening day, but knows it will be a different challenge on Saturday and offered his respect to his counterpart Ten Hag.
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"I have a huge respect for Ten Hag,” added Potter. “They've done well, not a great start but they've battled back and played well. It's going to be a tough game.
"It's a game of football. You have to analyse the opponent, think of way you can play.
"They have some top players, they have galvanised into an impressive team. We are looking forward to it."
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READ MORE: Gallagher, Ronaldo, Personality: What Graham Potter said ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash vs Man United
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Chelsea, Graham Potter, Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Premier League, Football
Matthew Debono