Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has denied the suggestion that there was ever any pressure put on the coaching staff to pick Cristiano Ronaldo last season.
Phelan worked under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick in 2021-22 before departing in the summer, while Ronaldo returned to the club last August.
Despite turning 37 during the season, Ronaldo still started 27 league matches last term, but it has been a different story this time around with the Portuguese starting just two of United's opening 10 top flight games under Erik Ten Hag.
Ten Hag has not been afraid to leave Ronaldo out, but Solskjaer and Rangnick were reluctant to do so. However, Phelan has insisted that neither manager felt they were forced to select Ronaldo in their team.
After being asked about whether there was pressure applied to pick Ronaldo, Phelan told Malaysian television station Astro SuperSport: 'No. No, not really, not to the point that it [the suggestion] was made.
'When I talk about the noise and the outside influences, then yes. There is a lot of talk about [him]. If Cristiano plays and he scores, Manchester United win. If he doesn’t play and we lose, then Cristiano should have played. That will always be there and you can’t avoid that.
'But, from our point of view, every manager and every coach talks only about winning the game of football. And how you are going to do that. That is the hardest thing. So you pick the best team and the best players to help you try to do that.'
Phelan's comments come after Ronaldo reacted angrily to being an unused substitute for United's 2-0 win against Tottenham on Wednesday.
The striker stormed down the tunnel before the final whistle at Old Trafford after being overlooked by Ten Hag.
This came just three days after he was visibly frustrated at being substituted during Sunday's goalless draw with Newcastle.
Ronaldo was also an unused substitute against Manchester City earlier this month, meaning he has failed to play a single minute in two league games already this season.
This did not happen at all last season when he was named in the matchday squad, as he only missed league matches due to injury or personal reasons.
Koyceikou
0
we don't need this selfish player, let him go back to Juve or Madrid, I am 100% sure he won't start over anyone there as well.
This selfish player saved your team last year you puts wake up you ungrateful ass
ZzzzAP
0
he is finished completely finished
How explain..U know nothng Abt ths Guy so STFF
yipbcdmsy
0
we don't need this selfish player, let him go back to Juve or Madrid, I am 100% sure he won't start over anyone there as well.
even here leave united will win nothing
ZzzzAP
0
No player is bigger than a Coach, Club, and even the Captain has the final say
And u think Big player like Cr7 they treat him like he is unknown..He is the leader of all football and Ten hag destroy his carrier.. and u all hater are happy coz u have destry Cr7.
03Jay
0
No player is bigger than a Coach, Club, and even the Captain has the final say
Puyaeopy
0
why are you joining old traford without much respect,city had given you a chance but you neglect it.
AkintundeAremu
0
You win league by winning matches dude what’s your point?
Don’t mind him toxic fans,love your comments bro
Barca_West
1
without Ronaldo u can win the match but can't win the league and trophies
You win league by winning matches dude what’s your point?
Ahmadsidi7
0
we don't need this selfish player, let him go back to Juve or Madrid, I am 100% sure he won't start over anyone there as well.
🤣😂🤣😂😂 Bro isn't our team mate
Cuwbcekoyz
1
if I am Ronaldo ,I talk to Erik ,I just want to sit every game , then leave last season .maybe u can said to channel TV I m injury and not fit to play .still I m rich than u .
omochris
4
Now you all understand why all the teams snub a chance to sign him. He is selfish and don't put the team as number 1. He would rather have the team loose 2: 1 if he is the one who scored. Just let him go. We had our best game yet and still found a way to take the attention of the boys. Shameful. #RONALDOMUSTGO
You have the guts to talk like this because Cr7 snubbed Manchester City and returned to play a second time for an ungrateful Manchester United for the sake of love and loyalty. You're an ingrate.
teeacdlpr
2
we don't need this selfish player, let him go back to Juve or Madrid, I am 100% sure he won't start over anyone there as well.
Lakaiotu
3
Now you all understand why all the teams snub a chance to sign him. He is selfish and don't put the team as number 1. He would rather have the team loose 2: 1 if he is the one who scored. Just let him go. We had our best game yet and still found a way to take the attention of the boys. Shameful. #RONALDOMUSTGO
The situation now will look as if Ronaldo is selfish or egoist but put ur self in his shoes and u will stop talking that trash
SemminlenBoboiDimn
1
Now you all understand why all the teams snub a chance to sign him. He is selfish and don't put the team as number 1. He would rather have the team loose 2: 1 if he is the one who scored. Just let him go. We had our best game yet and still found a way to take the attention of the boys. Shameful. #RONALDOMUSTGO
winning against arsenal and Tottenham doesn't mean we are the better... we beat them last season too.. we will see ten haq is the right man or not after mid season. its ok if Ronaldo is not in first 11 but let him have 30 to 35 mins game time.. and it seem ok to him as well... as of now the coach treatment was an insult.
sikaputafernando
2
Aubamayeng has told graham porter that he is very sick after knowing that next game it's vs these two warriors😂😂😂👌🏃
Paaqwesi123
0
Now you all understand why all the teams snub a chance to sign him. He is selfish and don't put the team as number 1. He would rather have the team loose 2: 1 if he is the one who scored. Just let him go. We had our best game yet and still found a way to take the attention of the boys. Shameful. #RONALDOMUSTGO
Wudkopst
4
without Ronaldo u can win the match but can't win the league and trophies
Zuzenoprty
2
he is finished completely finished
Voccdeimnp
1
and if c.ronaldo plays the team lost, then c.ronaldo is the problem 🤔