Sir Alex Ferguson appeared to criticise Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's decision to limit Cristiano Ronaldo to a substitute role this past weekend, with the club legend revealing his perspective in a conversation with mixed martial arts superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov that has surfaced on social media.
Ronaldo was brought on in the 57th minute against Everton on Saturday with the Red Devils ahead 1-0, but an Andros Townsend goal eight minutes later forced them to settle for a draw.
Ferguson, the most successful manager in United history, commented that "you should always start with your best players" in reference to Ronaldo's diminished role.
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What has been said?
The video begins midway through the conversation, with Ferguson saying: "I also think that when they saw Ronaldo wasn't playing..."
Nurmagomedov reminds him that Ronaldo entered in the second half before Ferguson interjects, replying: "I know, but you should always start with your best players."
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Many United fans take whatever Ferguson says as near-gospel, so his influence on the club remains strong, and his hint that he disagrees with Solskjaer's managerial approach will likely add to the pressure on the current manager.
A run of poor results has made Solskjaer a target for disgruntled supporters who feel their team should be dominating the division as they did during Ronaldo's first stint at Old Trafford.
His choices beyond the Ronaldo management have come under fire as a result, with his affection for midfield duo Scott McTominay and Fred (aka McFred) proving particularly polarising.
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