Cristiano Ronaldo's mysterious absence from the Manchester derby has proved the weight of Thomas Tuchel's authority at Chelsea.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was forced to miss the highly-anticipated bout due to injury, which Roy Keane has since questioned.
Ronaldo reported discomfort in his hip flexor - an injury which has already troubled him this season - to the club's medical staff ahead of the tie before soon flying to Portugal, leaving his teammates 'surprised' by his decision to do so, according to The Athletic.
However, despite Ralf Rangnick verifying the 37-year-old's absence, Keane raised doubts over the validity of said injury, highlighting a grey area that Tuchel has banished from Stamford Bridge.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former United midfielder felt that Ronaldo's injury wasn't legitimate.
"I just don't like when the manager talks about this hip flexor - I don't get it," Keane said.
"We talk about Ronaldo being almost some sort of machine. He's rarely ever injured. But every now and again, he comes up with that hip flexor. It doesn't add up to me."
Whether Ronaldo's injury is genuine or not, reports claim that the Portuguese striker jetted off to his homeland and therefore missed the momentous clash, deciding against making himself present at the Etihad.
Injured players are not obliged to attend matches but, with Ronaldo's stature, experience, and leadership qualities, his presence would have been undeniably felt.
The number seven's brewing saga shines Romelu Lukaku in a good light, almost redeeming the Belgian striker a shot at redemption in west London.
Lukaku, who has struggled to warrant his eye-watering £97.5m price tag since returning to west London, has found himself entwined into a web of setbacks despite a promising start.
Whether it has been the 28-year-old's form, controversial interview with Sky Italy or unfortunate injuries, Lukaku looks to have always stayed in line under Tuchel's
Rangnick's inability to keep Ronaldo around when he's injured compared to the Chelsea boss' man-management of Lukaku in similar circumstances paints a telling picture.
Tuchel looks to have player power under control, and the players know who the boss is if the players go out of line. The same can't necessarily be said about Rangnick these past few months.
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