Ralf Rangnick Reveals Why Cristiano Ronaldo Did Not Take Man United Penalty vs Arsenal

• Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the Manchester United squad on Saturday, April 23, against Arsenal at the Emirates
• This was the first time Ronaldo was featuring for the Red Devils since losing his newborn son earlier last week
• Having scored United's goal, it was expected the veteran striker would take United's penalty after they won one in the second half
• However, Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the effort, only to miss the target after his strike rattled the woodwork

Man United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has opened up about his side's penalty drama during their trip to Arsenal on Saturday, April 23.

Fresh from their 4-0 mauling by Liverpool, United were out for redemption against the Gunners, who beat all odds to hammer rivals, Chelsea, 3-1 in their previous outing.

However, Rangnick's charges fell short of a spirited Arsenal side who condemned United to yet another humiliating loss.

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Having missed the Liverpool clash on compassionate leave after he lost his newborn son, Ronaldo was back in the United fold for the Emirates trip.

The Portuguese talisman announced his presence in the game when he hauled his side back into the contest shortly after the Red Devils had gone down 2-0.

Nuno Tavares opened the scoring for Arsenal inside just three minutes of action, with Bukayo Saka doubling the advantage in the 32nd minute.

However, Ronaldo drew one back for United in the 34th minute to give his side some hope of staging a comeback.

Bruno Fernandes misses crucial penalty

The visitors had a golden chance of drawing level in the second half when they won a penalty, only for Bruno Fernandes to squander the opportunity after his effort rattled the woodwork.

Fernandes's decision to take the penalty when he should have let Ronaldo step up drew a heated debate online, with a number of fans contending the five-time Ballon d'Or winner should have been allowed to take the spot-kick.

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But speaking after the match, Rangnick explained it was Ronaldo's decision not to take the penalty, revealing he had confronted his starman over the decision.

"I spoke with him after the game and asked him," Rangnick said of Ronaldo’s decision not to take the penalty.

"He said he just didn’t feel he should take it and that’s why he said it would be better if Bruno took it," he added.