To the outside world,
Cristiano Ronaldo had been expected to lead the line against
Manchester City. As it happened, he was not in the country by the time of kick-off at the Etihad.
It is believed Ronaldo flew to Portugal once his absence for the Manchester derby became clear. He reported a recurrence of the hip flexor problem that troubled him earlier this year, which treatment could not soothe, and then took a flight to his homeland before Sunday.
Sources say the trip caused surprise among the United dressing room given the significance of the fixture. Injured players are not obliged to attend matches but
it is said Ronaldo’s team-mates feel his presence at the stadium, given his aura and contributions this campaign, could have been beneficial.
https://theathletic.com/3166005/202...d/?article_source=search&search_query=Ronaldo
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he should go play in the states. Always felt like that was gonna happen at the end of his career.