Cristiano Ronaldo's late omission from the Manchester United starting XI during their derby clash against rivals Manchester City was a surprise to the fanbase. After the painstaking 4-1 defeat, manager Ralf Rangnick opened up on the star forward's ailment that prevented him from taking the field on Sunday.
Rangnick on Ronaldo absence: "I have to believe my medical department. Our doctor came to see me Friday morning before training and said Cristiano could not train because of some problems with his hip flexor and the same Saturday." #MUFC @MirrorFootball
— David McDonnell (@DiscoMirror) March 6, 2022
Ronaldo's hip flexor reportedly began bothering him ahead of training on Friday, preventing the Portuguese superstar from practicing on Friday and Saturday. The knock didn't go away in time for Sunday's game, and it was at the suggestion of Manchester United's training staff and medical department that Ronaldo was sidelined for the derby.
Rangnick's comments, however, suggest he wasn't too thrilled with Ronaldo's absence. “I have to believe my medical department,” Rangnick said of Ronaldo's hip injury. Rather than just acknowledge that the star striker was dealing with a hip flexor issue, the Manchester United skipper deferred to the word of his medical staff, saying he had to take their word when it came to Ronaldo's status.
The Red Devils were defeated 4-1 by Manchester City on the back of a brace from both Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne. Jadon Sancho was the lone goalscorer for Manchester United, tucking away an impressive finish in the first half, though it proved not nearly enough for the squad to keep things close.
Ronaldo's next chance to take the field for Manchester United will come Saturday, March 12 when United looks to defend Old Trafford against Tottenham Hotspur in a matchup that could have a significant impact on Champions League qualification for next season.
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