Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly fuming with Ralf Rangnick for snubbing him before the Manchester derby despite the German previously citing his reasons for leaving out the forward.
Manchester United's No.7 was the notable absentee at the Etihad on Sunday.
Rangnick explained that an issue with his hip flexor on the Friday had ruled him out of the clash.
United's physios made the call, but Ronaldo was furious to learn he would not be lining up, according to The Sun.
The 37-year-old, who had only missed one game prior to Sunday's defeat, then decided to jet off to Portugal as his teammates endured a horror afternoon, losing 4-1 at the hands of the champions.
Rangnick has previously had to endure Ronaldo's fury having taken him off against Brentford back in January.
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The Portuguese star was withdrawn in the second-half and didn't hide his frustration.
He bemoaned the decision whilst he sat on the bench, seeking an explanation from his manager.
Ronaldo had only just returned from injury and Rangnick explained to the player and then the press that it was merely a case of managing his resources.
He said at the time: "I understand Cristiano is ambitious but maybe when he is a manager in the future, he will make the same decision after 75 minutes.
"I didn't expect him to hug me after being substituted. I know how goalscoring players think and I had to make this decision. I have no issues with Cristiano. He was coming back from injury and hadn't played for one-and-a-half weeks."
Rangnick later added: “I don’t blame him for that but obviously any manager would wish it shouldn’t be too emotional and also in front of the TV cameras I don’t think this will be for the benefit of anyone: not to his benefit or teammates.
“It’s an emotional game and players are emotional and I didn’t take it personally at all."
Ronaldo's apparent anger at being overlooked for the Manchester derby suggests he has little care for Rangnick's want to rotate his players and manage workloads.
United began the game without a recognised striker as they played two false 9s, although it had no impact on the result.
Roy Keane was among those to question the absence of Ronaldo, which Rangnick later responded to.
"What does it help if I tell you it's frustrating?" Rangnick added. "It's just a fact, if players tell the doctor and the medical department that they are injured and cannot play. I have to accept it as a manager.
"I cannot force a player to play if he thinks he's not available because he has an injury."
