Andy Townsend has criticised Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo for his antics after being substituted against Brentford.
Cristiano Ronaldo caused a stir on Wednesday evening as he showed his visible unhappiness after being substituted. The Red Devils were well on course to clinch three points when Ralf Rangnick decided to take the Portuguese ace off as he looked to see out the match.
Manchester United recorded a 3-1 victory over Brentford to ease some pressure after recent disappointing results. The Red Devils fell short against Aston Villa in their previous game, and the fans wanted a response from the team, which they duly delivered.
Lately, the Manchester United players have been criticised for their body language on the pitch, especially during their recent bad results. However, despite the positive result against Brentford, Ronaldo’s expressions post his substitution have not going down very well with the club’s fans.
After expressing his unhappiness after being taken off against Brentford, Ronaldo came into the focus when the team was leading the encounter by a comfortable margin. Some have also insisted on selling the striker at the next available opportunity for his behaviour earlier this season.
Despite going through a difficult period in terms of scoring goals and contributing to the team’s cause, Ronaldo is considered an important part of the Manchester United first-team setup, and Rangnick wants to bring the best out of the former Real Madrid striker.
However, commentator and pundit Andy Townsend has come forward with his criticism. Speaking to talkSPORT, Townsend urged the club and the manager to take appropriate action against the striker for his behaviour after being substituted.
Townsend said, “We can see Rangnick talking to Cristiano Ronaldo, trying to keep him on side a little bit – Ronaldo didn’t look like he was having too much of it. I’m surprised at Ronaldo; I really am. I think he should be better than that.”
“It’s not just about him, it is most of the time but it shouldn’t always be. Tonight, it’s about getting the job done, getting the three points.”
Ronaldo did not stir from his sulk when Marcos Rashford scored, and Townsend was outraged by this behaviour and called on the Manchester United players to take the Portuguese to task over this.
Townsend added, “That’s out of order. Rangnick should dig him out on that after the game; he should if he’s got enough about him. He won’t do it, but he should. Or one of the players should, it would hurt Ronaldo far more if one of the boys said something to him. Raphael Varane could do it, Bruno Fernandes could do it.”
With or without Ronaldo’s temper tantrums, it is imperative that Manchester United put an end to their indifferent run of form to get their top-four chase back on track.