Ralf Rangnick explains why Cristiano Ronaldo declined to take the penalty against Arsenal and says Manchester United's chances of finishing in the top four are 'unrealistic' after a crucial Bruno Fernandes missInterim
Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo chose not to take the crucial penalty in the Red Devils' 3-1 loss to Arsenal.
The Gunners scored twice in 34 minutes, through Nuno Tavares and Bukayo Saka, before Ronaldo equalized for United – and Rangnick's men had a golden opportunity to equalize when a penalty was awarded in the second half.
To everyone's surprise, it was Bruno Fernandes who stepped up to take it, rather than Cristiano Ronaldo, and the midfielder miscued his effort onto the post and wide.
Granit Xhaka then put the game out of reach for United, possibly along with the top-four, Given that the Gunners now lead the Red Devils by six points with a game in hand.
Rangnick explained that Ronaldo, who announced the death of his new-born son five days ago, did not feel comfortable taking the penalty.
"The two of them talk about it, and Cristiano told me he didn't feel well enough, or didn't feel as though he should take the penalty – and that's why Bruno took it," the German explained to talkSPORT.
Rangnick responded, "I don't know." When asked if it had anything to do with his recent personal tragedy, he said, "I don't know." You'll have to inquire with him." They've both taken and converted penalties, so it's up to them to make a decision."
Rangnick explained why he made the decision.
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Ex-Premier League striker Dean Ashton suggested on talkSPORT's live commentary that United's missed penalty could cost them Champions League qualification – and Rangnick appears to agree.
He admitted that the penalty kick changed the game, and the result means they are unlikely to finish in the top four, with Tottenham also ahead of them and a game in hand.
"I think an equalizer in that moment, in one of our best moments of the game, would've changed it," Rangnick said.
"This would have boosted confidence." We still had a chance with Dalot when he hit the post even after the penalty."
In my opinion, Cristiano's second goal was not offside." We could see it ourselves because it was in one line and there was no offside situation." I also believed we had been unlucky in other VAR situations besides that one."
After scoring, Ronaldo made a touching gesture to the sky.
When asked about United's chances of finishing in the top four, he added, "It's mathematically not impossible, but it's not very realistic."
A win today, or even a draw after falling behind 2-0, would have been beneficial."
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