Solskjaer not starting Ronaldo against Everton was a 'sackable offence'

Eyebrows were raised when Ronaldo was named among the substitutes to face the Toffees at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial were both in the starting XI in the game that ended 1-1.

Ronaldo replaced Cavani after 57 minutes, but could not inspire his side to all three points, as he did in the Champions League midweek.

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor believes Solskjaer is deserving of all the criticism coming his way.

He told talkSPORT: "It was a sackable offence not to start Ronaldo from Solskjaer. You look at Manchester United, you are playing Everton.

"Everton have been in good form this season. You need your strongest team to go out there and beat Everton.

"You've got the international break now. It's not as if they've got a game on Wednesday and Saturday, they've got the international break.

"Pogba should have started, Ronaldo should have started, Jesse Lingard should have even started.

"Send Ronaldo to Portugal shattered, that's not your problem. Play your best team against teams like Everton.

"Ole got it totally wrong. Even the last 30 seconds of the game, he's laughing and joking on the touchline when Benitez is so on it, talking to his players.

"It just shows he was happy with a draw. Manchester United shouldn't be happy with a draw against Everton at home."

Ronaldo was clearly unhappy at not starting the game and walked off down the tunnel immediately following the final whistle.

Agbonlahor continued: "What does he cover in games? Do you see him sprinting after defenders, chasing people down? Against Villarreal he didn't.

"He's waiting around, linking up play, getting into the box and he's not sprinting around like a centre midfielder would.

"Pogba not playing then maybe fair enough, but Ronaldo you have to play him. Play him for 60 minutes and if you are winning the game then take him off.

"You just put yourself under pressure by not starting him. He has to start. He has probably been brought in on £700,000-a-week to try and win the league for Man United.

"Was that reaction from Ronaldo walking off the pitch after the game, not shaking anyone's hand, not even acknowledging Townsend when he walked off, that was someone who was annoyed he wasn't started.

"He's in that squad to win the league for Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not going to win the league."