Of Sir Alex Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ulrik Fredrik also tries and mostly succeeds at blogging daily at Man Utd Musings (http://www.newmanutd.com)

So why did Sir Alex take Ronaldo off when it was a only a matter of time before Ronaldo would potentially net a second  goal and add to his  already impressive goal tally in the Premier League?

It’s quite simple really and the manager said it himself,

"It is great that he wanted to play on. It is fabulous. But I have to look at the big picture. He produced an incredible performance against Arsenal on Tuesday. He ran his socks off."

He added,

"Now I have Wednesday and Saturday to look after. There is no problem."

I must admit, even as a big fan of Ronaldo’s work, his display of frustration after being substituted for Paul Scholes with over 30 minutes to play was very much uncalled for. He was downright rude for that public display of temper.

No doubt about it, he should’ve handled his emotions much better than that. I am disappointed that his outburst will give sleazy tabloids and haters a field day and further stoke more lies relating to a certain Spanish football club that can’t stop losing as off late.

Lets, for just a minute, attempt to delve into the mind of Cristiano Ronaldo for a bit and understand his peculiar reaction shall we?

Why did he did he throw that little tantrum after being subbed off by the boss? We’ve read Sir Alex’s take above and you know what, I’m pretty sure Ronaldo’s explanation would be a mirror image of Fergie’s. The boy simply wanted to stay on and be involved in the derby for crying out loud.

What Ronaldo didn’t realize was that the gaffer needed to take him out to prop him up for any even more important fixture at the JJB Stadium on Wednesday. Happens to the best of us.

If we win against Wigan in midweek, I doubt Sir Alex will even start him against Arsenal to avoid risking his fitness ahead of Rome. I hope he will understand this, too.

Another possible reason for his early substitution was the simple fact that it wasn't just another match being played out but a fierce derby between two bitter rivals.

United were cruising to an easy victory and I ain’t pointing fingers  now, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to anticipate that with Ronaldo  on the pitch and intent on turning up the tricks, people can start getting chopped down by ruffled defenders.

Sir Alex has been in the game for decades, he knows what he’s doing. Ronaldo knows this, too but emotions took over.

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