Erik ten Hag refused to bring on Cristiano Ronaldo in the Manchester derby out of "respect for his big career".
Ronaldo was an unused substitute in United's 6-3 thumping at City as Anthony Martial came on ahead of him for his first appearance since August 22 and scored twice.
Martial's goals were his first for United in exactly a year and he is likely to start at Everton in their next Premier League fixture on Sunday. Ten Hag used all five substitutions available to him but Ronaldo stayed on the bench.
