Man United will not punish Ronaldo for unsanctioned trip to Portugal

Ronaldo missed United's defeat to Man City with injury

Manchester United will not punish Cristiano Ronaldo for his unauthorised trip to Portugal during United's derby day defeat to Manchester City. Ronaldo was ruled out of the game through injury, and the 37-year-old decided to return to his homeland to visit family whilst his team mates were beaten 4-1 by their local rivals. United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has since revealed that he wasn't aware that the forward had returned to Portugal and that Ronaldo's trip hadn't been formally sanctioned. The club, however, has insisted that this wasn't an unusual circumstance and that other members of the squad have done similar in recent weeks, while there was no obligation for Ronaldo to be at the Etihad Stadium, as stated by The Telegraph. Ronaldo returned to training on Tuesday and Wednesday but it remains unknown if he was involved in the sessions. The 37-year-old is suffering from a hip flexor injury, which has apparently been an issue for the last couple of months. The forward also missed the back-t0-back games against Aston Villa due to a similar injury in January. Rangnick has previously stated that any player suffering from injury should do their rehabilitation work at the club and not to travel abroad but United are reportedly relaxed about the situation, knowing that it was a day off for the Portugal international. There's no time frame on when Ronaldo is expected to return from his injury, but he isn't expected to be ruled out long-term and will be back in time to try to help United in their push to finish in the top four. Related links:

• Jamie Redknapp on the five players Man United can do without next season
• Five-a-side player attempts Ronaldo’s ‘SIU’ celebration, ends up in hospital
• Cristiano Ronaldo flew to Portugal after learning of his Manchester derby omission