Carrick explains his relationship with Ronaldo after forward was benched against Chelsea

Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick has denied falling out with Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese international was benched at Chelsea on Sunday.

There were suggestions Ronaldo had fallen out with Carrick after he came on in the 64th minute but made little impression and hurried down the tunnel at full time after the briefest of handshakes with his manager.

“I didn’t see it as a major decision,” said Carrick. “We all got on really well, the game went well to an extent and it wasn’t a drama.

“It seems like it’s a big decision but really, between us and me personally, it wasn’t. You can ask Cristiano, the way he responded was perfection.

“Around the dressing room he was incredible and supported the players. I went in to do my half-time team talk and he was warming up 10 minutes in advance ready to come on in the second half. A lot can be made of it, spin it in a negative way, but behind the scenes the reality is very different.”