‘The team is more important’
Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has backed his decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo in their win against Brentford on Wednesday night, insisting that “the team is more important.”
Goals from Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford helped to secure a 3-1 win in West London.
Ronaldo still managed to retain the spotlight though, after Rangnick made the decision to substitute him with 20 minutes left – prompting an angry reaction from the forward.
As the 36-year-old walked off the pitch, he could seen saying to the German “why?” whilst muttering to himself whilst looking at the floor.
During his press conference ahead of United’s game against West Ham United on Saturday, Rangnick stood by his decision to withdraw Ronaldo, reiterating that it was in the best interests of the team.
“The team is more important than whoever – Cristiano, Edinson, Bruno,” Rangnick said, as per the Manchester Evening News.
“He asked me ‘why me and not the younger players?’ The answer came 5 mins later when one of younger players scored.
“Maybe Cristiano could also have scored that goal but football is not always ‘maybe’, it’s about getting a decision in the right moment.
🗣️ — Rangnick backs his decision to sub Ronaldo at Brentford:
“The team is more important than whoever – Cristiano, Edinson, Bruno. He asked me 'why me and not the younger players?' The answer came 5 mins later when one of younger players scored.” #mufc #mujournal
— United Journal (@theutdjournal) January 21, 2022
“Until then we were 2-0 up, Cristiano made an assist for the second goal when he chested the ball to Bruno, this was tactically one of the best situations we had in the game.
“I explained that to him even during the game when we had that little conversation after the third goal and, in fact, I told him the same as what I just said in the press conference.”
The win at Brentford was arguably one of United’s better displays under Rangnick and a win this weekend will see them leapfrog West Ham and close in on a Champions League spot.
Related links:
- Victor Lindelof’s house broken into, wife confirms in statement
- Thomas Partey releases apology note Man United squad would be proud of
- Roy Keane names just three Man United players he’d keep if he oversaw clearout at club
