Coach Ralph Rangnik downplayed Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction when he was substituted in the second half of Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Brentford in the Premier League today.
In an interview with “BT Sport”, the captain stated that the discontent of the Portuguese was “normal”, and cited the reason for removing his number 7 shirt in the 26th minute of the final leg. Defender Harry Maguire rushes to the spot for the CR7.
“It’s normal. As a striker, he wants to score. He has come back from a minor injury, so it was important to note that we have one more game in three days,” the United captain said.
“On the other hand, we were winning 2-0 with the same result as Villa Park, and I decided to defend that advantage and I think it was the right decision. We scored the third goal and we wanted to keep a clean sheet. (without accepting)”, he said.
Enraged by the replacement, CR7 threw his coat on the ground, sat down on the stairs and questioned the coach’s choice. Rangnik, taking advantage of United’s third goal, went close to Ronaldo and talked to Shirt 7.
The English newspaper “The Telegraph” did not like Ronaldo’s stand. For the tabloids, the player’s “petulant reaction” attracted more attention than the victory of the Manchester team.
“What kind of example is this for young United players like Elanga (first goal scorer)?” The outlet asked. “It’s definitely not the reaction of a teammate.”
The episode adds to the recent signs of discontent since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at United. According to the newspaper “The Sun”, the Portuguese is considering leaving the English club five months after his arrival.
The English press still points to a “division” between the Portuguese-speaking players and the rest in the Red Devils’ locker room.
In addition, the Portuguese star’s agent Jorge Mendes traveled to the United Kingdom to talk about his future in the United Kingdom. The player will be disappointed by his own performance and above all, Rangnik’s strategy and style. The player would have given the club’s board an “ultimate” and was willing to terminate his contract if the option for a new coach, which should be at the end of the season, was not to his liking.
