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'These things get blown out of proportion' | Carrick on dropping Ronaldo

Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick has played down the idea of any 'drama' at the c...



'These things get blown out of...
Soccer

'These things get blown out of proportion' | Carrick on dropping Ronaldo

Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick has played down the idea of any 'drama' at the club in relation to his team selection.

Carrick dropped Christiano Ronaldo for their 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

This came after Ronaldo scored 10 goals in 14 appearances since returning to the club at the end of the summer.

Speaking to the media ahead of their Premier League game against Arsenal on Thursday, Carrick says things like this often get exaggerated.

"I think them type of discussions get blown up really, a lot bigger than they probably are, when you're kind of inside the team or the club.

"Decisions are made for a lot of different reasons and of course certain ones get bigger news than others, but that's how it was.

"I didn't see it as being a major decision. It certainly wasn't within the camp or group. We all got on really well. The game went well to an extent and it wasn't a drama at all."

Meanwhile, Carrick says that he hasn't spoken to Rangnick yet after his appointment was confirmed on Monday.

The former midfielder is set to take charge of the Gunners meeting at Old Trafford.

Incoming interim boss Ralf Rangnick is still awaiting his work visa clearance.

"I haven't got anything to update on.

"The process of the work permit and visa is ongoing as we speak.

"I am in this position, as I was for Villarreal and Chelsea. I'm getting the boys ready for game tomorrow night.

"It is pretty much as it was for both games. Because of the process we haven't been able to [speak].

"We have carried on as we have done. It has worked well for the last two games and hopefully it will tomorrow."

Carrick also spoke about Fred in the press conference, saying he's pleased with how the midfielder has performed in the games he's overseen.

The Brazilian had faced much criticism prior to Ole Gunnar Solskjær's dismissal with many pundits, including Roy Keane, saying he simply wasn't good enough to play for United.

Carrick feels a 'tweak' in his role has benefited the side as a whole.

"I think that gets overlooked - first choice for Brazil in a good Brazil team shows how far Fred's come since he came to the club and how much he's improved.

"For me, one of the biggest things that maybe people don't see is the attitude, his desire to be a team player and desperate to put himself out there to play games.

"That mentality is infectious and I'm all for that. I think he's obviously improved an awful lot - brings a great energy to the team.

"He's played a little bit higher up the pitch at times the last couple of games than maybe before, just because we've tweaked a couple of things for both games.

"He's done ever so well and I think obviously the regains, especially [for] Cristiano's goal at Villarreal, epitomise that, and he nearly got one the other night when he intercepted from [Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard] Mendy late on and nearly scored."

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Christiano Ronaldo Manchester United Michael Carrick Premier League