Carrick dismisses Neville's claim that Rangnick chose Man United XI at Chelsea

Michael Carrick didn't hesitate to respond to Gary Neville's claim that the Manchester United caretaker manager wasn't the person behind the XI chosen for their game away to Chelsea on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo's exclusion from the team raised eyebrows when the starting XIs were announced, and Neville suggested that incoming interim boss Ralf Rangnick had a say in the players named.

"A lot of people having a go at Michael Carrick for dropping Ronaldo and picking that MDF," Neville tweeted. "I've a feeling the incoming manager has picked that team as it's a huge departure from midweek and what they've been doing."

Before the game at Stamford Bridge, though, Carrick had Neville's assumption put to him and quickly dismissed it.

"Nah, that's not the case, no," Carrick said, before not really offering an explanation of the decision to leave the Portuguese forward out.

"A few tweaks and changes from the other night, to change things up a bit.

"Cristiano is probably our standout name, but it's just game plan, ideas. I had a good chat with Cristiano actually, he was great, and we've decided to go like that today. Really looking forward to the game.

"It's a decision just to pick a team, to be honest. I don't think it needs more drama than that. Everyone is fine, all the boys who have come out of the team have been terrific around the place, Cristiano included, fantastic with the boys, supporting them 100 percent and ready to come on if and when needed.

"We're happy with the team we've picked, for sure. We've come here to try and win the game, like we do every single game."

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