Cristiano Ronaldo has been dropped from Manchester United’s starting line-up for today’s Premier League clash against Everton.

Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made the huge decision to leave the Portuguese superstar on the bench.

Speaking to MUTV before the game, Solskjaer explained the eye-catching decision, which has seen Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani come into the team.

“Wednesday night was a big physical and emotional output so we had to freshen it up,” said Solskjaer.

“An early kick-off, the start of this game is going to be very important and we’ve got some very good players coming on. It’s a team we think can take charge of the game.

On Cavani and Martial, he said: “They know they’re good players and if we’re going to be successful this season we need to rotate, manage the minutes and everyone’s together.

“They might be required and they’re all ready to come on. We’ve had a chat about subs making the impact. They did on Wednesday and that’ll be the case at other times this season too.”

Solskjaer’s decision to exempt Ronaldo from the starting line-up has been defended by Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand said: “You would expect to be rested at his age. But he’s bringing in Cavani, so it’s not like he’s bringing in someone who is substandard. What I’m really surprised at is that he’s playing Martial and not brought in someone like Lingard, who’s been making an impact off the bench in recent weeks.”

Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho have also been left out of the starting XI.

The clash against the Toffees at Old Trafford will be Ronaldo’s 200th Premier League appearance for United if he plays some part in the game.