To the outside world, Cristiano Ronaldo had been expected to lead the line against Manchester City.........
As it happened, he was not in the country by the time of kick-off at the Etihad. .............................
It is believed Ronaldo flew to Portugal once his absence for the Manchester derby became clear. Source: https://theathletic.com/
He reported a recurrence of the hip flexor problem that troubled him earlier this year, which treatment could not soothe, and then took a flight to his homeland before Sunday.
United do not play again until Saturday, when Tottenham Hotspur visit Old Trafford, and Ronaldo might well contend that Portugal’s warm weather is conducive to a full recovery.
United do not play again until Saturday, when Tottenham Hotspur visit Old Trafford, and Ronaldo might well contend that Portugal’s warm weather is conducive to a full recovery.
Manchester United's Ralf Rangnick defends effort level in Manchester City rout.............................Source : ESPN
Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has defended his players after they were accused of showing a lack of effort during their 4-1 derby defeat to Manchester City.
Speaking on Sky Sports, United legend Gary Neville said his former team "were a disgrace in the last 25 minutes" at the
Etihad Stadium while Roy Keane said the performance in the second half was "shameful" and "unforgivable."
Asked afterwards about the comments, Rangnick said City -- who won thanks to two goals each from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez --
which United managed just 21% possession and did not have a shot, but refused to accept his players had given up once the score got to 3-1.