Cristiano Ronaldo posts social media message ahead of Man United return
Prior to Thursday’s Europa League match against Sheriff Tiraspol, Cristiano Ronaldo asserts that he is preparing for his return to Manchester United’s starting lineup with “the same devotion and dedication as always.”
The 37-year-old was cut from Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup after refusing to come on as a substitute in last week’s Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Ronaldo was obliged to practice with the club’s Under-21s and missed last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has subsequently returned to first-team training and is in contention to play against Sheriff at Old Trafford in United’s Group E match.
Ronaldo has resorted to social media prior to the encounter, tweeting a photo of himself in training at Carrington alongside a comment promising to give his all for the squad.
Ronaldo’s message on Instagram read: “Back on track, with the same commitment and dedication as always!”
United’s No. 7 has had difficulty breaking into Ten Hag’s starting lineup so far this season, having started only six of his 12 matches across all competitions and scoring only twice.
However, Ten Hag revealed in his pregame press conference that the Portuguese forward will be available for Thursday’s Europa League match.
“Yes, Cristiano will be in the squad tomorrow,” Ten Hag told reporters. “It’s not difficult. But I think we said everything and we answered all the questions, he was out for one game and is back in the squad as usual.
“You don’t have to [ask more questions] because we will not answer anymore, so all the questions, I think, are everything we explained and we have to focus on the game tomorrow. We have an important game because we want to be number one in the group.
“I don’t have to do it anymore, It’s done, he’s back, focus on the game, that’s important that Cristiano is involved in the squad tomorrow.
“In this moment, also last week, we focus on the games. In the background, we always continue a process, working on the squad, so we want to have top sport culture and you see and examine how you can improve and that’s what we will do.”
Ronaldo, whose Manchester United contract expires next summer, is rumored to be dissatisfied at Old Trafford and intends to leave the club in the New Year.
Ruben Amorim, the club’s head coach, has ruled out the forward’s return to his former team, Sporting Lisbon, claiming that the club cannot afford to pay his salary.
Napoli are also rumored to be interested in Ronaldo, who is reportedly open to a return to Serie A, but club director Cristiano Giuntoli maintains the club will not be active in the January transfer window.
Cristiano Ronaldo posts social media message ahead of Man United return
