Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Chris Doyle

Cristiano Ronaldo's half-time tunnel rant and other Man Utd moments missed vs Brentford

Manchester United produced one of their best performances at Old Trafford this season in what was Ralf Rangnick's final home game.

It's been a season to forget for United supporters who have been watching a lacklustre side for the majority of the campaign.

But the Red Devils gave them something to shout about as Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane sealed a 3-0 win against Brentford.

Fernandes opened the scoring in the first half, ending his goal drought before Ronaldo doubled their lead from the penalty spot to make Brentford the 168th different club he has scored against. Varane then wrapped up the three points after the break as he scored his first goal for the club.

There were plenty of big talking points throughout the match - here are a few moments you might have missed.

Ronaldo's gesture to Mata

Ronaldo and Juan Mata were rolling back the years in the first half and were heavily involved during United's attacks.

Mata, who is likely playing his final game at Old Trafford, made sure he left supporters with a game to remember as he kept cropping up in dangerous areas. He nearly doubled the hosts' lead after Fernandes' opener in what was a brilliant exchange with Ronaldo. The Spaniard played a ball to the 37-year-old who produced an exquisite piece of skill to find his teammate with a one-two.

Mata got on the end of it and took a shot at goal, but his right-footed effort was slightly wild as he lashed at the ball with it going wide of the post.

Ronaldo was in great spirits after it, like he was the majority of the game, as he glanced at Mata with a big grin as the midfielder smiled back at him.

Ronaldo celebrated with Mata but VAR ruled the goal out for offside (REUTERS)

Ronaldo's disgust at VAR

Ronaldo and Mata combined moments later but this time the ball was in the back of the net - only for it to be ruled out by VAR for offside.

The former Chelsea man made an incisive run down the left flank and played a deadly ball across the area for Ronaldo to tuck home. It was vintage Mata and Ronaldo couldn't contain his joy as he celebrated with the playmaker opting to hug his teammate instead of his patented 'Siu' celebration.

Joy turned into despair however as VAR ruled it out for offside. It was the correct decision but there wasn't much in it at all and Ronaldo was visibly frustrated at the decision as he threw his arms up in the air in disgust.

Cristiano Ronaldo complains to the ref in the tunnel at half time (Sky Sports)

Ronaldo's tunnel rant

Ronaldo's protests continued down the tunnel at half-time as he seemingly complained about a penalty decision he never got in the first half.

The former Real Madrid forward went over in the box after a challenge from the Brentford defender, but there was barely any contact. Referee Chris Kavanagh waved away appeals but Ronaldo was adamant that it was a spot-kick.

As the teams were coming out for the second half, he made his case to Kavanagh as he was spotted talking to the whistler.

Nemanja Matic played his final home game for Manchester United (Getty)

What did you make of Manchester United's performance vs Brentford? Let us know in the comment section below

Matic and Mata farewells

Nemanja Matic and Mata both seemingly said their farewells to the Old Trafford faithful as they were replaced in the second half with the duo set to be free agents in the summer.

They both got a massive round of applause as they departed as the players showed their appreciation to the fans.

They proceeded to shake hands with a lot of the backroom staff with this being their last game at United's home ground. Matic has publicly expressed his decision to leave while Mata has yet to sign a contract extension.

Matic and Mata have both been brilliant servants to the club and can be proud of their efforts as they produced a stellar performance in their final home game.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.