Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister has fuelled speculation by liking a post on Instagram suggesting the forward is not injured and missed the Manchester derby for different reasons.
A hip flexor injury saw the 37-year-old ruled out of Sunday's Manchester showdown and decided to fly out to Portugal rather than support his side as they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat.
His absence has come under intense speculation after his sister, Katia Aveiro, liked an Instagram post before the match which claimed Ronaldo that was not injured and had been dropped by boss Ralf Rangnick.
The post, which was published by a popular Ronaldo fan account, read: 'Cristiano Ronaldo is not injured and he is not ill. The man is 100 per cent.
'Good morning to you who, like me, are sad and angry because Rangnick decided to ruin our Sunday by taking CR7 out of the derby against Manchester City simply for tactical reasons, to defend himself more in the game.'
Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane also questioned the former Real Madrid star's injury prior to kick-off at the Etihad Stadium.
'There seems to be. I just don’t like it when the manager talks about this hip flexor, I don’t get it.
'We talk about Ronaldo being some sort of machine, he's very rarely injured and then every now and again he comes out with something like that and says hip flexor. It doesn’t add up to me.'
Without Ronaldo, United were swept aside by their neighbours and Premier League leaders City in a merciless display by Pep Guardiola's side.
Two goals apiece from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez saw City wrap up all three points.
Jadon Sancho equalised for United in the first half but it was the closest United got to laying a glove on their rivals.
Ronaldo started the five previous matches, including last weekend's goalless draw with Watford.
rohithirapur
788
Look at Ederson🤣🤣
Mangisha
479
Honestly speaking there is nothing Ronaldo was going to do to prevent Man U losing. Like against L/pool. But to say he is injured when he isn't, or to drop him for "tactical" reasons is to lack respect for him in my eyes. Messi doesn't guarantee the same performances as b4, as during the Barca days but still PSG play him, out of respect for him and also bcos any time, especially when you don't expect it, he can make a difference maybe when Mbappe, Neymar can't. So Ronaldo was supposed to be played. At least up to a point when he isn't effective enough.
Meddikrty
439
Am sorry but Ronald wouldn't have made any difference. I watched the 90 minutes of the game it was just a master class well organised game. To me he actually saved a huge embarrassment from himself.
one_black
395
honestly many ppl have alot of bad things to say about ronaldo but the guy is simply a legend in the football world on the pitch or off the pitch sometimes the young players get carried away by the big names like Ronaldo or messi but honestly speaking these young players don't show Ronaldo and messi any respect they leaves everything on their shoulder and for get about the player who they are it's such a disgrace when you look on the like of Marcus rushford fighting for a starting place in Manchester United that show you what Manchester United gone to these days then you have Maguire who should lead as example he's wearing the armband of a club that's very successful it's such a shame to be honest i can't see Manchester United finishing in the top 4 this season [Crylaugh]
Beautifulboy
388
I don’t see the sister running her mouth like she use to. Her brother is not inform, her mouth also is not inform.🤣🤣🤣
JoyNg
264
No matter the amount of hate u have for him. U can't change the fact that he is GOAT on and off the pitch💪💪💙
Davichi
252
Ronaldo doesn't need to prove anything, because he's proved himself over the years already, but the fact is that his presence at Manchester United has halted the rebuilding process of the team. Look at Barcelona right now... under Xavi they're getting back to their best and this is possible not just because he's proving himself to be a good coach, also because he has full control over the team... he can bench who he wants and play who he wants and the players play as a team according to how the coach expects them to play. Ronaldo and a couple of others need to leave for United to resume their rebuilding process... right now the team is just floating with few good players, some lazy ones and some who just completes the squad.
zumiopt
170
In my opinion, if Manchester United let C Ronaldo leave Manchester United, they will be at a huge loss, this is because they are like throwing away and burning millions of their club money. In my opinion, C Ronaldo can still play, only now Manchester United still do not have a player in the CMF/ AMF position who can really move in harmony by giving or making passes to Ronaldo. Manchester United's main problem is that the morale of each player is still low, meaning less practice the spirit of cooperation in play, all players still have an ego attitude. Manchester United is now far from the glory of Manchester United. If all this is not changed back then the glorious history of the red devils will only remain a memory and the name of Manchester United will fall because nothing beautiful can be felt or remembered. Believe me anyone who becomes the coach of Manchester United if he still fails to see the flaws in his team he will definitely fail to form his team. Remember, C Ronaldo is back and he is a very valuable and powerful asset, to use it now look for one player who can make our assets continue to be strong ... go go MU must continue to be feared by other teams .. MU's glory continues to remain ..
Munchu08
159
Who said he was injured 🤔🤔🤔🤔 He just escape from humiliation from ManCity Anyway he has achieved fake injury 3.0
zokkmorstthelegend
22
Look at Ederson🤣🤣
[image]
that is donnarumma vs Madrid 😂🤣🤣
_RealMadridonly_
12
they blame cr7 for everything I am sure if he was playing ederson would not be out of his goal.
🤣🤣🤣CRY MORE