Manchester United: Erik ten Hag 'counting on' Cristiano Ronaldo as exit talk intensifies

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen to keep hold of Cristiano Ronaldo, as speculation about the striker's future intensifies in light of his latest controversial episode.

Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute in Wednesday night's's 2-0 win over Tottenham. storming down the tunnel before full-time at Old Trafford. As a result, he's been made to train alone and won't be part of the squad for Saturday evening's trip to Chelsea.

Ten Hag spoke of the need to make an example of the 37-year-old – who also left a pre-season friendly early this summer – but he has no desire to see him leave in January, amid talk that United would be willing to let Ronaldo depart on a free transfer.

Ahead of his side's visit to Stamford Bridge, Ten Hag was asked if he thought Ronaldo would remain at United until the end of the season – when the Potuguese's contract expires – and whether he wanted him to stay, to which he simply replied: "Both.

"That [talk of Ronaldo leaving in January] is speculation. I count on Cristiano. So in this moment, it is not an item."

United travel to Chelsea knowing that a win will take them above the Blues and into the Premier League top four.

Ronaldo has been seldom used by Ten Hag, making just two Premier League starts this season (although the five-time Ballon d'Or winner did score his 700th career club goal in the second of those, bagging the winner at Everton earlier this month).