Michael Carrick, the outgoing Manchester United caretaker coach, has detailed how Cristiano Ronaldo reacted after being replaced for their 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.
Carrick, shockingly, sat the 36-year-old goal machine on the bench for the team’s journey to London.
Man United took the lead via Jadon Sancho, but Jorginho equalized for the hosts from the penalty spot.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo came in in the 64th minute but had little impact on the game.
Ronaldo’s reaction to being dropped, according to Carrick, was “brilliant.”
“[Dropping Ronaldo] seems like it was a big decision but really, between us and [for] me personally, it wasn’t. You can ask Cristiano. The way he responded was perfection really.
“Around the dressing room he was incredible, he supported the players. I went in to do my half-time team talk and he was warming up 10 minutes in advance ready to come on in the second half.
“I think a lot can be made of it and spinning it in a negative way but behind the scenes the reality is very different,” he told Amazon Prime.
Manchester United went on to defeat Arsenal 3-2 on Thursday with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a brace and taking his competitive career goals to 801.
Meanwhile, Manchester United announced on Thursday that Michael Carrick has left his position as the club first team coach after serving as the Caretaker manager for three successful matches.