Cristiano Ronaldo, a Manchester United forward, flew to his homeland on Sunday ahead of his team’s Premier League clash against Manchester City.
Manchester United’s dressing room was apparently taken aback by Ronaldo’s choice to fly to Portugal rather than stay to support the team in their Premier League match against Man City, according to The Athletic.
A hip flexor injury saw Ronaldo ruled out of Sunday’s Manchester showdown.
And the 37-year-old flew to his homeland on Sunday before kick-off at the Etihad stadium.
Top figures in the Man United squad were surprised and felt Ronaldo’s presence around the matchday squad would have been beneficial.
Without Ronaldo, Man United were thrashed 4-1 against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Two goals each from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez ensured the Premier League champions defeated Man United as Jadon Sancho’s lone goal was not enough.
Man United will face Tottenham Hotspur in their next game on Saturday.