Fans are still waiting for the 'tell-all' interview that Cristiano Ronaldo promised would be released back in August.
Speculation of Ronaldo's unhappiness with life at Old Trafford has mounted since he returned to Manchester United last summer. That unhappiness blew out into the open over the summer, when the superstar attacker pushed to be allowed to leave the club.
At one point, it was suggested that the Portugal captain had been granted leave to remain away from training while his future was sorted out. Ultimately, no realistic suitors presented themselves, with clubs such as Bayern Munich making it publicly clear they would not be pursuing a move.
Ronaldo finally returned to the fold for United's final friendly of pre-season against Rayo Vallecano. But after only playing the first-half, the Red Devils star left Old Trafford before the final whistle, in a now familiar story.
He then featured in United's opening two games of the season, both of which ended in humiliating defeats for Erik ten Hag's men. Following the hammering at Brentford, Ronaldo finally broke his silence, insisting a 'tell-all' interview was about to be published.
"They know the truth when they interview in a couple weeks. The media is telling lies. I have a notebook and in the last few months of the 100 news I made, only 5 were right. Imagine how it is. Stick with that tip," he wrote on Instagram.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Manchester United sell Cristiano Ronaldo in January? Comment below.
But just over two months after that promise, no interview has yet appeared involving Ronaldo. Supporters are still waiting for him to tell his side of the story of what happened over the summer.
Matters have taken another turn for the worse in the past four days, with Ronaldo storming out of Old Trafford before the end of United's win over Tottenham in midweek. The 37-year-old had been named as a substitute, but was seen walking off down the tunnel two minutes before the final whistle.
United put in their best performance under Ten Hag that night and it has since been claimed that Ronaldo refused to come on as a sub. Ten Hag has now decided to leave him out of the squad for the clash with Chelsea this weekend, insisting Ronaldo's actions must have consequences.
"I am the manager, I am responsible for the culture here. I have to set standards and values and have to control them. We are in a team. After Rayo Vallecano, I said it was unacceptable, but it wasn't just him," the United boss said.
"The second time there has to be consequences. That is what has happened. We miss him tomorrow, that is a miss for us and the squad, but I think it is important for the attitude and mentality of the group and now we have to focus on Chelsea - that is the most important."
Ronaldo released a statement in response, apologising for his actions, though whether he can regain Ten Hag's trust remains to be seen.
