Cristiano Ronaldo criticised for ‘coward’s challenge’ on Kevin de Bruyne

Trevor Sinclair had strong words for Cristiano Ronaldo's foul on Kevin De Bruyne

Trevor Sinclair has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo's challenge on Kevin De Bruyne on Saturday, calling the tackle a 'cowardly' one. Ronaldo struggled to have an impact in Manchester United's derby day defeat to Manchester City as they lost 2-0, and looked a frustrated figure throughout the game. It looked like his anger got the better of him as well, as Ronaldo lunged into the Belgian with a late challenge which left the Belgian on the floor in pain. https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1457680683154001920

Cristiano Ronaldo 'launched into that' challenge

On Sky Sports, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher said it was an "unwise" challenge and all on the panel agreed it was reckless, but nothing more than a yellow card was merited. The 36-year-old was given a yellow for the foul, but Sinclair was disappointed with the Portugal international and slammed Ronaldo for the tackle. Speaking on talkSPORT, he said:

"That’s a cheap one. The challenge initially went in from Fernandes, and as he’s down on the floor after being fouled, Ronaldo launches into that. “I know it’s only one foot, but he’s jumped in with his studs showing. I thought it was a little bit naughty. “It’s a little bit of frustration, but it’s not OK. I hope De Bruyne is OK because it’s a really poor challenge."

https://twitter.com/City_Chief/status/1457735112343359500 Sinclair also highlighted that it's not the first time Ronaldo has done such a thing, with the forward committing a dangerous foul on Liverpool's Curtis Jones during their 5-0 humiliation in October.

“It’s a coward’s challenge," he declared. "He’s got away with a couple, the one with Curtis Jones as well. “He’s got a temper because he’s a winner. He doesn’t like losing.”

United's defeat to their city rivals leaves them without a win at Old Trafford in the Premier League since September and the pressure further increased on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Despite many questions being asked about his future, it is expected that the Norwegian will keep his job, with no plans as of yet to replace him. Related links:

• Aimless Man Utd have no plans to sack Solskjaer despite Man City defeat
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly faces “revolt” from Man Utd squad
• Gary Neville tells Man Utd CEO of media to ‘get the f@@k away’ from squad and fans

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