Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Subtle Message to Ralf Rangnick Days After Missing Manchester Derby

• Cristiano Ronaldo expressed on his social media that he was ready to get back on the pitch to “help his team”
• The 37-year old flew to Portugal over the weekend after being left out of the Manchester United squad for the derby with an apparent injury
• Manchester United face Tottenham in their next Premier League game and Ronaldo is highly likely to feature
• Rumors are also rife that the Portugal superstar could leave the club in the summer if United fail to qualify for the Champions League

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered an update on his condition ahead of Manchester United’s weekend fixture with Tottenham Hotspur.

The 37-year old was a conspicuous absentee during the Manchester derby as the Red Devils succumbed to a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City.

It was earlier reported that Ronaldo missed the derby because of a hip-flexor injury, but other publications seemed to suggest he was angry after learning he would start on the bench for the derby.

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo ready to join arch rival Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain

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According to Sunsport, he later complained of an injury before flying off to Portugal, instead of joining the rest of the team at the hotel on Saturday.

However, one of his latest Instagram posts on Wednesday, March 9, the Portuguese forward provided an update on his fitness, along with a subtle message to Ralf Rangnick.

He shared an image of himself training at Carrington along with the caption:

“Hard work towards a strong recovery. Eager to get back on the pitch and help the team.”

Ronaldo’s crunch talks with his agent

If the rumour mill is anything to go by, Ronaldo is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season after what has been a nightmare return to Old Trafford.

He recently held ‘showdown talks’ with agent Jorge Mendes ahead of a possible exit from Old Trafford this summer.

The pair are reportedly plotting an exit strategy from Old Trafford, with the club currently embroiled in a thrilling fight for a Champions League place with Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham.

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Roman Abramovic sanctioned

Elsewhere, Chelsea have their own problems off the pitch after club owner Roman Abramovic was slapped with sanctions by the UK government.

As a result of the sanctions, the club cannot conduct any business, including sale of merchandise from their official stores.

Abramovic was one of seven oligarchs who was slapped with the sanctions as his assets were frozen, effectively halting his plans to sell Chelsea.