Manchester United’s off-the-pitch problems are not going to end soon as another disturbing incident happened during the club’s 1-3 Premier League win over Brentford yesterday. Star player Cristiano Ronaldo seemed angry at manager Ralf Rangnich when he was substituted in the second half. He was spotted stating, ‘why me?’ at the German head coach and the latter also hit back at Ronaldo with some words.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed his last two matches due to a back injury but was drafted into the starting eleven against Brentford. He started in the number nine role in place of Edinson Cavani, Scott McTominay also came back into the squad after missing the last match due to suspension in place of Nemanja Matic. But the biggest team news for Manchester United was the skipper Harry Maguire being on the bench again. Maguire is struggling for form this season and now seems like lost his place to Victor Lindelof, who has impressed with Raphael Varane in the last two matches.
Brentford dominated the first half with plenty of chances but failed to convert any into a goal. But the Red Devils started with Ronaldo coming close to scoring two goals in the first two minutes. His first strike was blocked by Sorensen and second off the bar. But it was a youngster Anthony Elanga who scored the first goal of the match at 55′ minutes on the clock. Seven minutes later Mason Greenwood scored the second goal for them to extend the lead to 0-2. Rangnick then made two substitutes, Rashford replacing Greenwood and Maguire coming on for Ronaldo.
Ronaldo, who missed the last two matches, and is now being substituted without scoring a goal, was not happy with this decision. He mumbled something while reaching toward the bench and avoided shaking hands with the manager. But a minute later, he threw off his training tracksuit in frustration and was spotted shaking his head.
Cristiano Ronaldo did NOT like being taken off against Brentford ? pic.twitter.com/9OT32QE3fY
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) January 19, 2022
Rashford scored the 3rd goal for the United just six minutes later to ensure three points. Brentford striker Ivan Toney scored a consolation goal at 85′ minutes but it was too late for them for any comeback hopes in a 1-3 loss.
Ralf Rangnick Explained Why He Substituted Ronaldo:
Ralf Rangnick, in his post-match talks, explained his decision to substitute Ronaldo. He also insisted that there is no issue of any kind with Ronaldo and it has been resolved when he talked to the player after the 3rd goal.
“He was asking why me and why do you take me off, I said, ‘listen, I have to take the decision in the interest of the team and the club and we had exactly the same situation five days ago at Villa Park, being 2-0 up with 15 minutes to play and we didn’t want to make the same mistake again.” -Rangnick on Ronaldo substitution.
Ronaldo has scored 14 goals and assisted 3 in 22 appearances for Manchester United this season but his efforts haven’t added to the club’s current situation. Recently, the Sun reported that he has instructed his representative to finalize Manchester United exit this summer if the club fail to finish in top-four.