Ralf Rangnick defends decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo in Brentford win

"It was the right decision."

Ralf Rangnick has defended his decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo during Manchester United's 3-1 win over Brentford. The Man United interim manager withdrew his most famous player in the second half on Wednesday night. Ronaldo was visibly unhappy to be substituted in the game. Yet, Rangnick's decision was vindicated, as Marcus Rashford, one of the players who came on, scored United's third goal of the night.

Rangnick on what he told Ronaldo after Rashford scored.

Following the match, Rangnick spoke about his conversation with Ronaldo. The German coach said he merely acted in the best interests of his team.

"He asked: ‘Why me, why have you taken me off?'" Rangnick said.

"I told him: 'I have to make decisions in the interests of the team and club'.

"We had the same situation at Aston Villa (on Saturday) when we were 2-0 up in the second half and I didn’t want to make the same mistake.

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"So. tonight I put on Harry Maguire, went to a back three, and a fast winger, Marcus Rashford.

"It was the right decision. Cristiano is a goalscorer but it was more important to be compact at this moment."

Rangnick also spoke with Ronaldo after Rashford scored, and he revealed what he said to the forward.

"When we scored a third I said this exactly to him: 'I know you’re ambitious to score but maybe in two years’ time when you are a head coach like me and in the same position you’ll understand.'"

"I didn’t expect him to hug me after being substituted," Rangnick continued.

"I have no issues whatsoever with Cristiano. I’ve been here six weeks and never had any issue with him. None whatsoever."

Brentford 1-3 Man United.

Brentford outplayed Man United in the first half, and David de Gea kept the score down with some wonderful saves. The Red Devils rallied after the break, however, and won the game thanks to goals from Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood and Rashford. Brentford scored a late consolation goal through Ivan Toney.

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