Cristiano Ronaldo’s angry reaction to being substituted against Brentford has threatened to overshadow Manchester United’s 3-1 win in west London.
Ronaldo was taken off by interim manager Ralf Rangnick in the 71st minute of the match, with United leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Anthony Elanga and Mason Greenwood.
Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford were brought on in place of Ronaldo and Greenwood, and the Portugal international was clearly unhappy with the substitution.
He remonstrated with Rangnick as he left the pitch and was later seen muttering to himself in anger on the bench.
Rangnick sat down next to Ronaldo to console the forward and seemingly explain his decision to take him off.
Rangnick was vindicated when Rashford added a third goal for United before Ivan Toney pulled one back for Brentford late on.
Victory for United moves them to within two points of the Champions League places.
Ronaldo’s reaction to being substituted has divided opinion on Twitter, with some fans praising him for his winning mentality and others criticising him for petulance.
“Ronaldo making sure to shake his head to show everyone how unhappy he is at being subbed. The fact he does it every time he appears on the big screen is purely coincidence,” wrote oafcmemories.
MattC1001 added: “Ronaldo been unhappy about been subbed is what’s made him the best player in the world, that winning mentality.
"Players who are happy being subbed should be more of a concern.”
Ronaldo recently questioned the mentality of his team-mates after their disappointing start to the season.
“For me, the most important thing is for you to look at yourself and say: 'I can do better. I can help the team much more’,” Ronaldo told Sky Sports.
"The system, yes, it's important, details make the huge difference at the end of the day but, for me, the most important thing is the mentality, for you to be strong, to help the team, the right mentality, self-taught positives."
Topics: Brentford, Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo
Rory O'Callaghan