Cristiano Ronaldo suggested the “heat of the moment” got to him when walking out on Manchester United’s 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.

The Portugal international responded on Thursday after being omitted from United’s squad for a match against Chelsea on Saturday and made to train away from the first team.

“I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram. “Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment (gets) the best of us.”

Ronaldo will train away from the first team until after the Chelsea match, with United saying they fully back the decision made by Ten Hag.

Erik ten Hag. File picture

Ronaldo did not make specific reference to his actions, but appeared remorseful in his public statement. “Giving in to the pressure is not an option,” he wrote. “It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand.”

Ronaldo also wrote that he’s always respected teammates, opponents and coaches during his long career, and that “respect has always played a very important role in my decision-making process.”

Ten Hag, on Friday, confirmed Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute.

“Yes,” Ten Hag told reporters when asked if the 37-year-old had refused to come on.

“I am the manager, I am responsible for the culture here and I have to set standards and values and I have to control them. In the team, we have values and standards and I have to control that.

“It will (be) a (time for) reflection for him, but also for everyone else. Football is a team sport and you have to fulfill certain standards. And I have to control it.”

Wednesday was not the first time Ronaldo has left the stadium early before a United match had finished this term, having departed ahead of the final whistle during a pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano.

Ten Hag insisted, however, it is not the end for Ronaldo at United.

“After Vallecano, I told him it was unacceptable... this is the second time, there are consequences. We miss him tomorrow (Saturday).

“It’s a miss for the squad but it’s important for the attitude and mentality of the group and now we have to focus on Chelsea as that is important.

“The statement is also clear. He remains an important player in the squad.”