Ralf Rangnick Reveals Why Cristiano Ronaldo Missed the Manchester Derby

• Cristiano Ronaldo played no role during the 187th edition of the Manchester derby staged at the Etihad Stadium
• The Portuguese was among four key United players who were ruled out of the encounter in the last minute
• According to Rangnick, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner suffered a hip injury on Friday, March 4, and has not trained since then

Man United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has opened up about Cristiano Ronaldo's conspicuous absence during the Manchester derby on Sunday, March 6.

Ronaldo was among at least four key players who failed to show up at The Lowry Hotel hours before United's Premier League meeting with City at the Etihad Stadium.

Prior to the 187th edition of the Manchester derby, the Portuguese talisman had only missed just one game for the Red Devils through injury.

Ralf Rangnick explains Ronaldo's absence

Rangnick took some time to explain to fans why Ronaldo had missed the Etihad trip alongside Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Edison Cavani.

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According to the German boss, Varane and Shaw picked positive Covid tests earlier in the week, ruling them out of the Sunday clash, while Ronaldo was battling a hip injury.

"Rapha Varane and Luke Shaw tested positive with COVID unfortunately in midweek.," the German explained. Edi [Cavani] trained well in the last three days but, in the end, he didn’t feel quite well enough to be able to play," Rangnick explained.

"And Cristiano had some problems with his hip flexor on Friday and since then, he didn’t train," he added.

Man United takes on City without striker

In the absence of both Ronaldo and Cavani, Rangnick was left with no choice but to play Bruno Fernandes as false No.9, with Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga joining the midfielder in the attack.

At the back, Harry Maguire was paired with Victor Lindelof in the heart of defence, with Paul Pogoba playing the No.10 role.

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However, that did not help United much as Pep Guardiola's men hammered the Red Devils 4-1 at home.

Man City go six points clear

Sports Brief reported a first-half brace from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez's double in the second were enough to inspire City to a vital win.

The victory fired the Citizens six points clear ahead of second-placed Liverpool as United dropped to fifth on the log.

Jadon Sancho scored the Red Devils' consolation in the first half.