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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith & Stephen Killen

What Roy Keane and Cristiano Ronaldo said in pre-match exchange before Man United vs Liverpool

Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo and former club captain Roy Keane were involved in a quick exchange ahead of kick-off against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday evening.

Ronaldo, who is still keen to leave Old Trafford ahead of next week's transfer deadline, was one of four players to have been dropped from Erik ten Hag's starting line-up, following last Saturday's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Brentford. Alongside Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Fred, the Portuguese international was demoted to the bench.

Anthony Elanga was preferred in attack to Ronaldo, meaning Marcus Rashford moved into the centre of the front-three. It is the second time in United's opening three matches that the 37-year-old has started on the bench.

READ MORE: Manchester United vs Liverpool LIVE

And it was Ten Hag's decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench that dominated much of the pre-match conversation among Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville and Keane. And with around 20 minutes to go until kick-off, Ronaldo jogged over to the touchline for a quick catch-up with Neville and Keane, both of whom he played with during his first spell at Old Trafford.

After a quick conversation with Neville without a microphone capturing what was said, the former Real Madrid star embraced Keane and the pair exchanged a few words with the microphones capturing every word.

Ronaldo, seemingly referencing Keane's sun tan, said: "Where have you been?"

Keane made no reference to that comment, instead choosing to question Ten Hag's decision to start him on the bench, saying: "On the bench?" Ronaldo replied: "What do you want me to do?"

The conversation continued, with Keane saying: "Be in the team." Ronaldo, while walking away, responded by saying: "I know."

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