Interim manager Ralf Rangnick has named his starting line-up for Manchester United's Premier League clash with Burnley at Turf Moor this evening, making a huge selection call.
22.01.2022 - 19:41 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Paul Merson has once again slammed Cristiano Ronaldo, telling the Manchester United star he should apologise to Anthony Elanga for his reaction at Brentford.
The Portuguese ace hit the headlines after reacting angrily to being substituted in London on Wednesday, after Elanga had helped put United into a commanding lead.
The Swedish teenager opened the scoring against Brentford before Ronaldo played a hand in United’s second, playing the ball into the path of Bruno Fernandes to break before laying it on a plate for Mason Greenwood to double the lead.
Ronaldo was brought off by Ralf Rangnick shortly after, and proceeded to throw down his coat in frustration before clearly questioning the decision.
Rangnick could be seen speaking to the 36-year-old later on in the game, before insisting the situation was “normal” in his post-match interviews.
But former Arsenal midfielder Merson, who has been highly critical of Ronaldo this season, believes the former Real Madrid superstar stole the limelight away from Elanga on his big night.
“Cristiano Ronaldo owes Anthony Elanga a big apology,” Merson wrote in his column for the Daily Star.
“What he did against Brentford spoiled the youngster's big day - and it was so childish.
“The poor kid. He starts his first Premier League game of the season, scores for Manchester United.
“And then Ronaldo gets substituted, strops off and has a hissy fit. As soon as it happened as I said to my mate: 'You watch, you won't even know the kid has scored now.'
“It was unbelievable for someone who's been around the game that long to do that and take the headlines away from Elanga.”
Merson added: “He should apologise. One hundred per cent. He should know better.
“He's sitting there going: 'Why me? Why me?'
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick has named his starting line-up for Manchester United's Premier League clash with Burnley at Turf Moor this evening, making a huge selection call.
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