United squad ‘surprised Ronaldo flew to Portugal instead of staying with team’ for Man City clash

Manchester United‘s dressing room was reportedly left surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo‘s decision to fly Portugal instead of staying to support the squad for their clash against Manchester City.

A hip flexor injury saw the 37-year-old ruled out of Sunday’s Manchester showdown and according to The Athletic, Ronaldo flew to his homeland on Sunday before kick-off at The Etihad stadium.

And the publication adds that figures in the United squad were surprised and felt his presence around the matchday squad would have been beneficial.

Manchester United players were reportedly surprised that Cristiano Ronaldo – pictured in training last Wednesday – flew to Portugal instead of staying to watch the team face Man City

United were swept aside by their rivals, slumping to a 4-1 defeat against Manchester City

Ronaldo was ruled out with a hip flexor issue and was back in Portugal by Sunday’s kick-off

Without Ronaldo, United were swept aside by neighbours and Premier League leaders City in a merciless display by Pep Guardiola’s side.

Two goals apiece from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez saw City wrap up all three points. Jadon Sancho equalised for United in the first half but it was the closet United got to laying a glove on their rivals.

United have no midweek match and face Tottenham next in Saturday’s late kick-off before the return Champions League leg against Atletico Madrid. It means Ronaldo has a week to return to fitness and recover from an issue that has hampered him already this season.

Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane was unimpressed with his former United team-mate missing the City match with the issue.

When asked if there was something more to Ronaldo’s absence on Sky Sports, he said: ‘There seems to be. 

‘I just don’t like it when the manager (Ralf Rangnick) talks about this hip flexor, I don’t get it. 

Ronaldo, pictured with Georgina Rodroguez and his son on a plane at a different time, was reportedly back in Portugal before the Manchester derby had kicked off

He has a week to recover before Saturday’s Premier League match against Tottenham

Roy Keane said he felt there was more to Ronaldo’s absence than Ralf Rangnick was letting on

‘We talk about Ronaldo being some sort of machine, he’s very rarely injured and then every now and again he comes out with something that and says hip flexor. It doesn’t add up to me.’

United’s defeat leaves them fifth in the Premier League standings and a point behind Arsenal in fourth.

The Gunners, however, have three games in hand on United and a serious opportunity to cement their position in the Champions League places over the coming weeks.