Manchester United’s dressing room was left shocked by Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to fly Portugal instead of staying to support the team for their clash against Manchester City.
A hip flexor injury ruled the 37-year-old player out of Sunday’s Manchester derby and according to The Athletic, Ronaldo flew to his homeland on Sunday even before kick-off at The Etihad stadium.
And the publication adds that figures in the United squad were surprised and felt his presence around the squad would have been beneficial for the game.
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Without Ronaldo, the Red devils were swept aside by neighbours and Premier League leaders Man City in a merciless performance by Pep Guardiola’s side.
Both managers have no doubt Manchester City deserved the win in their local derby.
Two goals apiece from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez saw City wrap up tge three points. Jadon Sancho equalised for United in the first half but it was the closet they got to laying a glove on their rivals.
United have no midweek game and face Tottenham next on Saturday before the return Champions League leg against Atletico Madrid. It means Ronaldo has a week to return to fitness and recover from an issue that has hampered him already this campaign.
Also, Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane was unimpressed with his former United team-mate missing the Man City match with the issue.
When asked if there was something more to Ronaldo’s absence on Sky Sports, the United legend said: ‘There seems to be. ‘I just don’t like it when the manager (Ralf Rangnick) talks about this hip flexor, I don’t get it.
‘We talk about Ronaldo being some sort of machine, he’s very rarely injured and then every now and again he comes out with something that and says hip flexor. It doesn’t add up to me.’
United’s defeat leaves them fifth in the Premier League standings and a point behind Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in fourth.
The Gunners, however, have three matches in hand on United and a huge chance to cement their position in the Champions League places over the coming weeks.
