Roy Keane gave a typically sarcastic remark when Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the Manchester United starting line-up against Tottenham.
Ronaldo was surprisingly absent from the squad for last week's embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Manchester City, with interim manager Ralf Rangnick saying the player had a hip flexor injury.
Keane also cast doubt on Ronaldo's injury, saying "something doesn't add up" before the derby.
One week on, Keane made a smirk when asked about Ronaldo's return to the team in Sky Sports' pre-match coverage, suggesting he did not want to be on the substitutes' bench against City.
"I’m glad he’s recovered. Obviously a few days in Portugal has done the trick for injury problems, hip flexor," he said.
But Keane then went on to praise Ronaldo, adding: "It's good to see him back. He’s a quality player whatever has gone on in the background, whether he didn’t want to be on the bench or whatever.
"He’s starting, his goals record is fantastic. We could talk all about the things he’s not good at, pressing, but put the balls in the right area and he’ll score. When he’s on that pitch you always fancy him to score."
Keane's words certainly rang true as Ronaldo went on to score a hat-trick to power United to a 3-2 win and propel them back into fourth spot in the Premier League.
"He’s had a difficult few months, a lot of players do, you have your ups and downs but he’s gotta get through it, maybe simplify his game and start running in behind," added the former United captain.
"He needs to start enjoying it again. You have to bear in mind that for Marcus, for all the brilliant things he’s done, he’s playing for Manchester United. It's one of the greatest feelings in the world playing for a big club, he’s got a big opportunity today so take it.
"Focus on the game today, it's Spurs you’re at home it's a big game for Man United, if you get a chance run in behind, make the most of that, when he gets in behind and sees that space, run. Don’t forget to run."
