Patrice Evra jumps at opportunity to take dig at Jamie Carragher

Patrice Evra took aim at Jamie Carragher after Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Manchester United to a phenomenal victory over Arsenal on Thursday night.

Ronaldo, 36, scored twice in the second half, including a winner from the penalty spot, as the Red Devils defeated their old Premier League rivals 3-2 at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese superstar celebrated both goals emphatically with his trademark celebration, perhaps sending a message to those who have criticised him this season.

Despite his tally of 12 goals in 16 games, pundits including Carragher have pointed the finger at Ronaldo's lack of pressing and work rate to recover possession.

But Evra hit back at the Liverpool legend after Ronaldo's latest heroics for United, telling him he needs to "stay in his lane".

Was Jamie Carragher's criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo valid or misguided? Have your say in the comments!

Responding to his former teammate's double against Arsenal, Evra performed Ronaldo's celebration on Amazon Prime Video Sport by yelling: "SIUU"

The ex-United left-back added: "There is a lot of talk about this player (Ronaldo) and I don't understand. Some players like Jamie Carragher had 775 games. Cristiano today scored his 801st goal and those people talk about Cristiano.

"Sometimes I think people have to just stay in their lane and I just don't understand it. Some people just wake up and they're allowed to talk about Cristiano."

Meanwhile, Evra paid tribute to another of his former teammates as United confirmed Michael Carrick will be stepping away from his coaching role after his three-game spell as caretaker manager.

"Wow. Thank you very much and au revoir," the former France international said. "I was really thinking he was going to stay at the club so I don't know if it's a Michael Carrick decision or club decision. I'm a little bit surprised by that decision."

During his post-match interview, Carrick explained he would like to spend time with his family after 15 years in various roles at United.

How did Manchester United's players rate out of 10 against Arsenal? Cast your votes below!

Reacting to the news, Evra's compatriot and co-pundit Thierry Henry added: "I am also shocked and surprised but you need to know that when you bring someone new it might bring people with them and you need to understand that.

"I'm not saying it is right or wrong but when you employ someone they might want to work with someone they're used to work with so I can understand that side of the argument."

As Carrick departs the club, Ralf Rangnick begins his six-month tenure as interim manager with a fixture against Crystal Palace on Sunday.