Cristiano Ronaldo Set for a Sensational Return to Man United’s Starting XI for Europa League Clash

Cristiano Ronaldo Set for a Sensational Return to Man United’s Starting XI for Europa League Clash

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:15 PM
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  • Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start in the club's Europa League encounter on Thursday
  • Ronaldo held a conversation with manager Erik ten Hag over the weekend and Tuesday morning before resuming training with the first team
  • The Portugal captain was banished from United's first team after he refused to come on against Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is in line to return to the team's starting eleven when the Red Devils face minnows Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday, 27th October.

The 37-year-old fell out with manager Erik ten Hag last week after he refused to come on against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, 19th October.

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Cristiano Ronaldo refused to come on against Tottenham last week. Photo by Dan Mullan.
Source: Getty Images

Ronaldo was banished from the team last week and forced to train alone, Ten Hag's punishment for refusing to come on against Spurs, according to the Independent.

The legendary striker was also dropped from the squad to face Chelsea last Saturday, a game in which United snatched a late equaliser from the jaws of defeat.

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Ronaldo included for Europa League game

According to the Athletic, Ronaldo held talks with Ronaldo on Tuesday morning, with the Dutch tactician expecting the striker to apologise for refusing to come on versus Spurs.

Ten Hag also held talks with Ronaldo over the weekend and feels the situation is now concluded, and both need to move on.

Therefore, Ronaldo took part in first-team training on the morning of Tuesday, 25th October.

The Red Devils are preparing for Thursday night's Europa League return-leg clash with Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford. With United's lack of depth in the striker spot, Ronaldo is the favourite to start.

After being exiled from the first team by the manager, Ronaldo released a statement.

"As I've always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches. That hasn't changed. I haven't changed."

Chelsea interested in Ronaldo

Sports Brief earlier reported on Chelsea being linked with Ronaldo, who wanted to leave United this past summer for a Champions League side.

According to reports, Chelsea could pursue a stunning January transfer move for troubled Man United attacker who isn't favoured to start by Ten Hag.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has played a less influential role under Ten Hag, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial ahead in the pecking order.

Authors
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Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.
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