Manchester United told Cristiano Ronaldo absence would be 'no big deal' vs Man City

Cristiano Ronaldo not starting for Manchester United against Man City on Sunday has been described as 'no big deal' by a former Chelsea player.

Ronaldo is the club's leading goalscorer this season with 15 goals from 31 appearances. However, his performances have often been criticised by fans and pundits when he has failed to find the back of the net and he's struggled in recent weeks.

The Portuguese ace last scored against Brighton in mid February but that remains his only goal so far this year. With that in mind Craig Burley told ESPN that dropping the 37-year-old — with the MEN revealing Ronaldo was absent from the United squad that convened before the City clash — is not a big deal.

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He said: "I think it depends who's available to be honest with you. Not sure about [Edinson] Cavani's situation at the minute.

"If you want to play Rashford through the middle and hit on the counter-attack or a pacier player through the middle on the counter-attack, then do it. Do it.

"I don't think it's such a big deal benching Ronaldo these days. Mother nature's catching up with him, he has to be in a team that is dominant and has real quality around him.

"He doesn't have that and he can't do it on his own anymore. So there's every chance he may be left out."

On Saturday evening Ronaldo was not seen arriving at the Lowry Hotel with the rest of the United squad. Although this does not guarantee he is not playing in the derby, it does add weight to the rumours from Portugal that suggested Ronaldo been dropped by Ralf Rangnick in favour of a defensive formation.

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