Cristiano Ronaldo defended for sulking at Brentford as ex-Manchester United man Mark Bosnich insists Ralf Rangnick call was right but being substituted should ‘hurt’ best players

Cristiano Ronaldo has been defended after his angry reaction to being substituted during Manchester United's 3-1 victory over Brentford.

The Portugal sensation did not hide his frustration when pulled from the action with his team 2-0 up on 72 minutes.

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After storming past manager Ralf Rangnick, Ronaldo threw his jacket to the floor and clearly mouthed, 'Why me?'

The answer, as Rangnick later revealed, was to protect the two-goal lead and keep the 36-year-old fresh, following his return from injury.

Ronaldo's tantrum somewhat distracted from a positive night for United, as the limelight was stolen from Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford, the three academy graduates on the scoresheet.

However, despite criticism in some quarters over a perceived pettiness, ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich sprung to Ronaldo's defence.

He told Breakfast on talkSPORT: "I don't know a player in history that I've played with who has been happy to be taken off or left out - let alone Ronaldo!

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"I can remember the first time he was at Manchester United, towards the end at Old Trafford, when Sir Alex Ferguson took him off, he wasn't happy."

Bosnich added: "If you're satisfied with being taken off, then all the best to you long-term.

"All the best players should hurt a little bit when they're taken off."

Nevertheless, Bosnich admitted Rangnick was right to take Ronaldo off.

The Australian continued: "It's completely understandable. The reason behind it and what Rangnick did is completely spot on.

"He hasn't trained for some time, they've got a lot of games coming up, imagine if he got injured in those last 15 minutes?"