Manchester United interim coach Ralf Rangnick has opened up on Cristiano Ronaldo’s moody reaction to being hauled off in Manchester United’s 3-1 win at Brentford on Wednesday.
The Red Devil’s who won 3-1, were 2-0 up when the former Juventus forward was brought off with 20 minutes to go.
He was replaced in the 71st minute by club captain Harry Maguire and was visibly disappointed on the bench for the rest of the evening.
Rangnick indicated that his decision to substitute Ronaldo was driven in part by the experience of losing a two-goal lead late on at Aston Villa last Saturday, in a match the Portugal captain missed through injury.
Man United drew 2-2 at Villa Park, having been 2-0 up with 13 minutes to go,
and Rangnick was keen to avoid a similar late stumble in west London.
Ralf was asked about Ronaldo’s response in his post-match press conference.
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Rangnick:
“The only reaction I noticed is he was asking me ‘why me?’
and I said I had to take a decision in the interest of the team.”
“I didn’t expect him to hug me after being subbed, I know how goal-scoring players tick
“He was not happy but he came back from injury.
I was happy to have him on board for today’s game, especially after Edinson Cavani could not train.”
“I told him [Ronaldo] we were 2-0 up and we have to learn lessons from Villa Park.
After that game, I was angry with myself for not changing to a back five.
“Today was exactly the same situation and I did not want to make the same mistake again.
I said: ‘Listen Cristiano, you are 36 and in great shape, but when you are a head coach, you will see it through the glasses of a head coach.’
“My job is to take the decisions in the best interest of the team and the club and I hope he sees it the same way.”
