Erik ten Hag gives latest on Cristiano Ronaldo & injury update on five Man Utd players

Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will be part of the Manchester United squad for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol.

The forward was dropped for last weekend’s game against Chelsea following his refusal to come off the bench in the recent 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. But Ronaldo was pictured back in training on Tuesday and Ten Hag said the 37-year-old should be involved in the squad on Thursday night.

“Yes, Cristiano will be in the squad tomorrow,” the United manager said. “It’s not difficult and I think we said everything and answered all the questions. He was out for one game and now he is back in the squad as usual.

“It’s done, he’s back. I’m focused on the game and that’s important. Cristiano is involved in the squad tomorrow.”

Yet there’s less positive news surrounding Raphael Varane, who Ten Hag confirmed won’t play in the fixtures over the next three weeks before the World Cup break. “Rapha Varane isn’t in the squad. He will be out until the World Cup. He will not play in this block for Manchester United,” said the former Ajax boss.

Asked whether Varane would be fit in time for the tournament in Qatar, Ten Hag responded: “I think so but the prognosis we have to wait, we have to see how he develops.”

Ten Hag was also asked about the fitness of three players who recently returned to training following injuries. “Harry [Maguire], Donny [van de Beek], and Aaron [Wan-Bissaka] are all in training and in the preparations for tomorrow’s game.”

The United manager added he will decide ahead of the match whether the trio are fit to play, while he also confirmed Anthony Martial has not recovered yet from an injury he sustained against Everton, and therefore won’t play against Sheriff.