Manchester United's dressing room was reportedly left surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to fly Portugal instead of staying to support the squad for their clash against Manchester City.
A hip flexor injury saw the 37-year-old ruled out of Sunday's Manchester showdown and according to The Athletic, Ronaldo flew to his homeland on Sunday before kick-off at The Etihad stadium.
And the publication adds that figures in the United squad were surprised and felt his presence around the matchday squad would have been beneficial.
It comes in the wake of claims from Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane that there was more to Ronaldo's absence than just injury.