"That's what has happened" - Chelsea manager Graham Potter comments on Cristiano Ronaldo's situation at Manchester United

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has opened up on Cristiano Ronaldo's situation at Manchester United.

The Portuguese superstar made headlines by storming down the tunnel at the end of the Red Devils' 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on 19 October. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was on the bench against Spurs but stormed down the tunnel in the 89th minute.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wanted to use Ronaldo as one of his two remaining replacements in the game. However, the forward refused to come on as a substitute.

As punishment, the former Real Madrid man has been banished from senior team training and will not travel to face Chelsea on Saturday, 22 October.

In a press conference ahead of the game, Blues manager Potter was questioned regarding Ronaldo's situation at Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag: "Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo refused to come on against Tottenham". 🚨🔴 #MUFC

"There has to be consequences. It is important for the attitude and mentality of the group". https://t.co/pExifE8LKW

The former Brighton & Hove Albion manager stated that he could not comment on it as he was unaware of the details.

As quoted by Metro, he said:

"I can't really comment because I don't know the ins and outs. He's taken his stance and then you need the club to support. From the outside, that's what has happened."

Potter has also made it clear that he does not want to make headlines but understands why such a decision was made. He added:

"Well it’s difficult for me to comment because I don’t know the actual context, I don’t know what’s really happened, I don’t want to go off headlines and things like that.

Part of the job is to take some decisions that are difficult, but that’s normal."

Manchester United could feel Cristiano Ronaldo's absence against Chelsea

Ronaldo is going through one of the worst seasons of his football career but he remains one of the biggest difference makers in world football.

The Portuguese forward has struggled for playing time this season and has scored just twice this season in 12 matches across all competitions.

Cristiano Ronaldo makes a statement on Instagram 👀 https://t.co/uwtxg5vwIc

Manchester United could have benefitted from having someone of Ronaldo's quality against a side like Chelsea.

It has been quite evident this campaign that the Red Devils' finishing has often let them down.

Ronaldo is one of the greatest finishers in the history of the game and is also known for making a difference when it matters the most. Hence, he could be a major miss for the Red Devils as they take on Chelsea on Saturday.