Cristiano Ronaldo has created no ‘drama’ over being dropped by Man Utd at Chelsea after internal squad talks
CRISTIANO RONALDO created no ‘drama’ after being dropped by Manchester United last week, caretaker boss Michael Carrick revealed.
The Portuguese superstar was left out of the starting XI for the 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
He wasn’t called upon by Carrick until the 64th minute, by which point the Red Devils were 1-0 up.
Ronaldo failed to make an impact on the outcome, as Chelsea managed to equalise before dominating the final exchanges.
Carrick, 40, believes that too much was made of his decision to drop the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The Englishman will once again be in charge for tonight’s clash with Arsenal, as new interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s work visa is sorted.
Ahead of the match, Carrick said: “I think them type of discussions get blown up really, a lot bigger than they probably are, when you’re kind of inside the team or the club.
“Decisions are made for a lot of different reasons and of course certain ones get bigger news than others, but that’s how it was.
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“I didn’t see it as being a major decision. It certainly wasn’t within the camp or group. We all got on really well.
“The game went well to an extent and it wasn’t a drama at all.”
He added: “There are a lot of things you have to take into consideration when you make a decision on picking a team. Some players bring things to the table, other players bring other things to the table.
“You have fitness, tiredness, freshness, there’s tactics, there’s personality and character within that.
“It seems like it is a big decision but really, between us and me personally, it wasn’t.
“You can ask Cristiano, the way he responded was perfection really. Around the dressing room he was incredible, he supported the players.
“I went in to do my half-time team talk and he was warming up 10 minutes in advance ready to come on in the second half.
He has played in enough teams down the years, Cristiano, and has been successful to play a variety of ways
Michael Carrick
“I think a lot can be made of it and spinning it in a negative way but behind the scenes the reality is very different.”
Carrick believes that it is a ‘myth’ that Ronaldo, 36, can’t play in a pressing system.
He said: “You said it’s a myth, so maybe it is a myth. Maybe that is how it is.
“He has played in enough teams down the years, Cristiano, and has been successful to play a variety of ways, and has kept scoring goals for every team he has played for.
“So I am sure he will continue to score goals. I have no doubt about that.”
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