Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister likes Instagram post claiming Man Utd star is NOT injured and slamming Rangnick

CRISTIANO RONALDO’S sister liked an Instagram post claiming the Manchester United star is NOT injured, adding further fuel to the controversy.

The Portuguese forward did not feature in the matchday squad for the Manchester derby on Sunday.

Getty

Cristiano Ronaldo was not involved in the Manchester derby as United lost 4-1[/caption]

Instagram @katiaaveirooficial

Katia Aveiro liked a post on Instagram hitting out at Ralf Rangnick[/caption]

As revealed by SunSport, Ronaldo complained of a hip problem and flew to his homeland after being told he would not be starting.

Rangnick said he wanted fresh legs for the match and that he believed Ronaldo could make an impact from the bench.

But the United legend insisted he could do that from the start and was furious at being axed, not staying at the team hotel before jetting out for some warmer weather.

However, activity on social media threw further shade on the situation.

The Instagram account that sparked suggestions of Ronaldo missing the game is cr7.0_lendario — which is followed by the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

A post on Saturday claimed: “Manchester United’s manager wants to enter with a different strategy in tomorrow’s game and has chosen to defend himself more, a purely tactical choice. Ronaldo won’t even be on the bench.”

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

The post was liked by Ron’s sister, Katia Aveiro.

She has previously been vocal about her brother’s football career – angering Juventus fans on his departure last summer and once called pundits ‘manipulative and blind’ for criticising him.

The 37-year-old Ronaldo had been feeling positive in training last week and was looking forward to the Etihad clash with City.

But United interim boss Rangnick was told by the club’s medical department on Friday that Ronaldo had a hip flexor injury.

After yesterday’s 4-1 humiliation, Rangnick insisted: “I have to believe my medical department.

“Our doctor came to see me Friday morning before training and said Cristiano could not train because of some problems with his hip flexor and the same Saturday.”

When contacted by SunSport, Ronaldo’s representatives insisted it was an injury keeping him out.

Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford