Erik ten Hag used all five subs, with Anthony Martial coming on for Marcus Rashford and scoring a late consolation brace.
The 37-year-old cut a frustrated figure watching United embarrassed by their rivals, who had Erling Haaland and Phil Foden bag hat-tricks at the Etihad Stadium.
Ten Hag later said he didn’t bring Ronaldo on “out of respect to his big career” but fresh reports from The Telegraph
say United will allow him to move on in the January transfer window.
The former Real Madrid superstar desperately wanted out in the summer and was offered to a slew of clubs.
Although he wanted to play in the Champions League, the competition where is the record goalscorer, his only genuine offer was from Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia.
A move did not materialise, though it has been reported that the club could go back in for him during the winter window.
And this time Ten Hag will not stand in his way. He had wanted to keep Ronaldo in the summer but the Dutchman’s tune has changed and he is prepared to let him go.
Ronaldo’s only start in the Premier League this term was in the 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Brentford.
Ronaldo was United’s top scorer in his first season back at Old Trafford last term, hitting 24 goals in all competitions.
In limited game-time this term, his only goal came from the penalty spot against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League.
