Man United on course for comfortable win
Despite a series of early scared at the community stadium in Brentford, Manchester United look on course to run out comfortable winners after a much-improved second half.
David De Gea came to their rescue several times in the first 45 minutes, keeping the Red Devils in a game that they should probably have been well behind in.
HT: Brentford (1.39) 0-0 (0.20) Man Utd
— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) January 19, 2022
However, Ralf Rangnick’s side were much better in the second half, and put a tired-looking Brentford to the sword thanks to goals from academy graduates Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford, making the result a comfortable one in the end.
However, there was one bizarre talking point that stood out, in the form of a substitution.
Ronaldo subbed
The incident came as Ronaldo was substituted in the second half, following a largely anonymous performance against the Bees.
Making his first start since a knee injury, the Portuguese striker was taken off after 71 minutes, with central defender Harry Maguire coming on in his stead.
And safe to say, he was not happy.
Ronaldo furious at being subbed.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) January 19, 2022
Even minutes later, he was still absolutely fuming on the substitutes bench as his side pushed for another goal.
“Why did he take me off?”
Cristiano Ronaldo was not happy at being withdrawn in the 70th minute with Man Utd 2-0 up against Brentford… pic.twitter.com/gx0uur4GZf
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 19, 2022
And some Manchester United fans chose to take the positives, suggesting it meant that he still cared about the club.
Ronaldo fuming about being taken off still. Sort of get it. Works his arse off for no service then with 20 to go when the game is going to be stretched and he’ll get a chance he gets taken off
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) January 19, 2022
However, Rangnick’s call paid off, as he seemed to tell Ronaldo moments after Rashford netted the third.
Things are starting to look up for Man Utd ?
Marcus Rashford ends his goal drought to make it 3-0, and Ralf Rangnick appears to have patched things up with Ronaldo after subbing him! pic.twitter.com/Q4D0pWtev6
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 19, 2022
Was Ronaldo right to be annoyed?