Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains why Cristiano Ronaldo was missing for Manchester United against West Ham
Speaking to Sky Sports in a pre-match interview (h/t The Metro), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explained why Cristiano Ronaldo was missing for Manchester United during their EFL Cup third-round game against West Ham.
The Red Devils went out in the third round of the EFL Cup against West Ham United as they failed to score a goal after Manuel Lanzini helped the Hammers take the lead early on in the game.
Although Solskjaer fielded his second-string team, his bench was filled with first team-stars. However, one player that was missing from the squad was Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar has been in the limelight ever since he made a sensational return to Old Trafford on deadline day.
Since joining the club, Ronaldo has netted 4 goals in 3 games, including scoring against West Ham in the Premier League last weekend. The 36-year-old, was, however, kept out of the squad for the EFL Cup game as his workload needs to be managed.
Solskjaer explained his star summer signings’ reason of absence to Sky Sports (h/t The Metro), saying:
‘Yeah, you know, he’s (Ronaldo) come in and made a difference already. But, of course, it’s going to be a long season. He wants to play as much as possible, but I don’t think that is possible.’
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It is indeed going to be a long season for the Red Devils as they will still be competing in 3 competitions despite going out in the EFL Cup. Moreover, if Solskjaer does hope to compete for the Premier League title this season, he will need his best players fit week-in and week-out – a category Ronaldo certainly falls into.
With the Portuguese set to turn 37 next year, Solskjaer will need to manage his star centre-forward’s game-time tactfully.
