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 Devils put a poor first half behind them to strike three times after the break, and while Ronaldo helped contribute to United's second goal, he did not grab a goal or assist for himself.
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, and Rangnick was asked about Ronaldo's response in his post-match press conference.
"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," Rangnick said.
"I didn't expect him to hug me after being subbed, I know how goal-scoring players tick.
"I have no issue whatsoever with Cristiano, he came back from an injury and didn’t train for one and half weeks. Why should I not make use of the players on the bench?
"Also after what happened at Villa Park, we had to defend the lead this time and it was important that we went back to a back five and while we didn't keep the clean sheet it was important to make sure nothing else happened."
When asked what he told Ronaldo upon being substituted, Rangnick replied: "I understand you are ambitious but maybe in a few years when you are a head coach you will realise."
While Rangnick appeared very calm and composed after an impressive win, his opposite number Thomas Frank blasted Man Utd for how "unbelievably lucky" they were to leave London with the three points.
Source : 90min