Manchester United fans have called for the sack of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer after the coach didn’t play Cristiano Ronaldo for the visit of Everton at Old Trafford in a match that ended 1-1.
Despite Ronaldo’s return of five goals in five games since his emotional homecoming to United, Ole decided to bench his star player on Saturday, October 2, stating that he was trying to protect him from getting injured.
After hearing Solskjaer’s team selection, former footballer, Rio Ferdinand said in the BT Sport studio: ‘You rest Ronaldo at times, he’d expect it at 36. National team games after this… he’s bringing in [Edinson] Cavani, someone’s who got goals last season and who’s a leader. More surprising is that [Jesse] Lingard deserves a start.’
Pundit and former Tottenham footballer, Jermaine Jenas did not quite agree however. He said: ‘It doesn’t feel like the type of game that you should be taking characters out.
‘Always concerned about the message it sends to Everton, you’re Mina and Keane and thinking no Ronaldo, lovely. You get a lift in that away team dressing room; we can get some points here.
Solskjaer defended his decision by saying the team needed to be freshened up for the match.
‘Wednesday night was a big effort both physically and emotionally so it’s important that in a 12.20 kick-off we start on the front foot and freshen the team,’ Solskjaer said on BT Sport prior to kick-off, in explaining his thought-process.
Many United supporters were quick to attack the Norwegian coach however, with fans angry that even Paul Pogba had also been benched.
‘Does Ole think it’s a cup game!?’ wrote one fan.
Another added: ‘Pogba Ronaldo on the bench…..Martial Fred McTominay starting! Clearly wants to bore Everton into defeat!’
Another Twitter user went all out and said under-fire Solskjaer deserves to be sacked simply for leaving Ronaldo out of the line up.
At the end of the match Ronaldo ended up leaving the pitch furious.
He was seen storming down the tunnel without speaking to anybody or exchanging handshakes, while muttering to himself in frustration.
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