ERIK TEN HAG has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will be involved in Manchester United’s Europa League clash against Sheriff Tiraspol.
The 37-year-old sat out Saturday’s 1-1 league draw at Chelsea as punishment for leaving last Wednesday’s match against Tottenham early and refusing to come on as a substitute.
“Yes, Cristiano will be in the squad (on Thursday),” manager Ten Hag said.
“I think we said everything and answered all the questions. He was out for one game and now he is back.”
ℹ️ The boss was asked about @Cristiano's availability during today's press conference 👇#MUFC || #UEL
United will be seal a top-two spot in Group E if they avoid defeat by more than one goal to Sheriff, but usurping Real Sociedad at the top of the Europa League pool is the main focus.
The Red Devils head to Spain next week for what is set to be a decisive clash in the group – one of six games Ten Hag will be without Raphael Varane for ahead of the World Cup.
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The France international has been in brilliant form this season and looked in distress as he left the field injured at Chelsea with a reported knee issue that puts his Qatar dreams in jeopardy.
“He will be out certainly until the World Cup,” said Ten Hag, who will again be without Anthony Martial against Sheriff. “He will not play in this block for Man United.”
Asked if Varane can play in Qatar, Ten Hag said: “I think so but the prognosis we have to wait.
“We have to see how he develops, how his rehab will develop.”
Varane’s injury is a blow that may be offset by the return of United captain Harry Maguire.
Out with a muscle injury sustained in England’s 3-3 draw with Germany a month ago, the centre-back has been back in training since the end of last week.
“Harry, Donny (van de Beek), Aaron (Wan-Bissaka) are all in team training in preparation for tomorrow’s game,” Ten Hag said.
“After the training, together with the medical (department), I will take the decision (on their availability).”
Maguire started the first two matches of Ten Hag’s reign but poor form and subsequent enforced absence means he has only featured three further times for United.
That has provided a headache for both the Dutchman and England boss Gareth Southgate, who names his World Cup squad in a fortnight’s time.
“He always will play an important role,” Ten Hag said of Maguire. “He was injured.
“I’m happy he is on the way back so now he has to get back into games.
“I understand the interest (about his game time in England) but we especially look at Manchester United.
“We have to get the right results and performances, so that is the main objective I have.”
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Ronaldo will return to Man United squad, Varane ruled out until World Cup
LAST UPDATE | 26 Oct 2022
ERIK TEN HAG has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will be involved in Manchester United’s Europa League clash against Sheriff Tiraspol.
The 37-year-old sat out Saturday’s 1-1 league draw at Chelsea as punishment for leaving last Wednesday’s match against Tottenham early and refusing to come on as a substitute.
“Yes, Cristiano will be in the squad (on Thursday),” manager Ten Hag said.
“I think we said everything and answered all the questions. He was out for one game and now he is back.”
United will be seal a top-two spot in Group E if they avoid defeat by more than one goal to Sheriff, but usurping Real Sociedad at the top of the Europa League pool is the main focus.
The Red Devils head to Spain next week for what is set to be a decisive clash in the group – one of six games Ten Hag will be without Raphael Varane for ahead of the World Cup.
The France international has been in brilliant form this season and looked in distress as he left the field injured at Chelsea with a reported knee issue that puts his Qatar dreams in jeopardy.
“He will be out certainly until the World Cup,” said Ten Hag, who will again be without Anthony Martial against Sheriff. “He will not play in this block for Man United.”
Asked if Varane can play in Qatar, Ten Hag said: “I think so but the prognosis we have to wait.
“We have to see how he develops, how his rehab will develop.”
Varane’s injury is a blow that may be offset by the return of United captain Harry Maguire.
Out with a muscle injury sustained in England’s 3-3 draw with Germany a month ago, the centre-back has been back in training since the end of last week.
“Harry, Donny (van de Beek), Aaron (Wan-Bissaka) are all in team training in preparation for tomorrow’s game,” Ten Hag said.
“After the training, together with the medical (department), I will take the decision (on their availability).”
Maguire started the first two matches of Ten Hag’s reign but poor form and subsequent enforced absence means he has only featured three further times for United.
That has provided a headache for both the Dutchman and England boss Gareth Southgate, who names his World Cup squad in a fortnight’s time.
“He always will play an important role,” Ten Hag said of Maguire. “He was injured.
“I’m happy he is on the way back so now he has to get back into games.
“I understand the interest (about his game time in England) but we especially look at Manchester United.
“We have to get the right results and performances, so that is the main objective I have.”
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