Some Manchester United supporters are angry about Cristiano Ronaldo‘s absence in EFL Cup fourth round on Thursday, claiming that the Portuguese star is avoiding matches in order to avoid injury ahead of World Cup....CONTINUE READING
United boss, Erik ten Hag explained that Ronaldo was missing with an illness, as they played Aston Villa.
Ronaldo’s illness means that he could’ve played his final game for United, as only a trip to Fulham on Sunday comes before the Premier League pauses for the World Cup.
With two matches squeezed in at the end of December prior to the January transfer window opening, ex-teammate Gary Neville wants at least one thing from Ronaldo before he packs his bags.
Manchester United Football Club safely progressed through to the EFL Cup fourth round last night, with the Red Devils overcoming Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
The first 45 was a pretty dull affair, though six goals were scored in the second half – four by the side in red.
Erik ten Hag’s side absolutely deserved their victory in the end.
United were always looking to press on and score goals, whereas Villa seemed happy to sit back and look to counter.
It was the away side who’d strike first, though.
Ahead of the game, there was one notable absence in the squad; Cristiano Ronaldo. Ahead of the game, the gaffer confirmed the key star was missing with an illness – though it’s not thought to be a long-term problem.
But some Man United fans are not having the excuses. According to a few United fans we interviewed earlier in the day,
Josh said: Ronaldo is cunning, this is not the first time he did such a thing
Tony said: “Oh he’s only interested in going to his supposedly last World Cup, his club assignment comes second and is annoying”
Call me a skeptic, but this seems very suspicious. Ronaldo, who has recently been handed a few starts in a row, is now ill on the eve of the World Cup?
He’s 100% not alone in this mindset, either. There were far too many players last night, on both sides, who seemed to duck out of a few 50/50 challenges in order to ensure they don’t get injured ahead of Qatar 2022. Sadly, that’s just another issue with the tournament being held in the middle of a season.
Ronaldo, who isn’t exactly flavour of the month here in Manchester, is likely doing what’s best for him ahead of Portugal looking to make waves over in Qatar. He’s their captain, talisman, and icon. I get it.
I fully expect him to be missing again, when United take on Fulham this weekend.
