Ronaldo follows the Instagram account
Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister has liked an Instagram post claiming that the Portuguese star is not injured and has instead been dropped for the Manchester derby by interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
The 37-year-old is set to miss the highly-anticipated derby against Manchester City on Sunday, with reports suggesting that the former Real Madrid man had suffered an injury.
However, an Instagram account – which is followed by Ronaldo – has suggested that the forward asked to be left out of the squad after being told that he would be on the bench against City due to ‘tactical’ reasons.
Katia Aveiro, Ronaldo’s sister, increased speculation that the report might be correct by liking the post.
On Saturday, the account – ‘cr7.0_lendario’ – claimed: “Manchester United’s manager wants to enter with a different game strategy in tomorrow’s game and has chosen to defend himself more, a purely tactical choice.
“Ronaldo won’t even be on the bench.”
Ronaldo has started United’s last five matches after being dropped to the bench against Burnley last month.
Rangick opted for Edinson Cavani in attack, but brought the Portuguese captain on in the 1-1 draw at Turf Moor.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CauiLYXOdCR/?utm_source=ig_embed
Ronaldo is United’s top goalscorer this campaign with 15 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions, missing just one Premier League game this season, which came when he was absent with a hip injury for the Red Devils’ 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on January 15.
With both Ronaldo and Cavani absent for the trip to the Etihad Stadium, Rangnick is left with only Marcus Rashford as a recognised striker. However, he could chose to play attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes as false nine.
In recent weeks, several United players have denied suggestions that Harry Maguire and Ronaldo are embroiled in a row over the captaincy at the club.
Related links:
- Cristiano Ronaldo ruled out of Manchester derby through injury
- Harry Maguire calls out reports that him and Ronaldo are embroiled in power struggle
- Marcus Rashford responds to rumours of Man United squad turning against Ronaldo
