Ralf Rangnick gives post-Villa update on Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness & if he’ll be fit to face Brentford

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has said Cristiano Ronaldo could be available for Wednesday’s game against Brentford.

The Portuguese star missed the back-to-back games against Aston Villa, the latter which ended in a 2-2 draw after the Red Devils blew a two-goal lead.

With Ronaldo unavailable, Edinson Cavani started as the lone striker at Villa Park, but Rangnick may have the option of selecting the duo up front together for the upcoming fixture, a pairing he preferred prior to Ronaldo’s injury.

Asked after Saturday’s game why Ronaldo didn’t travel to Birmingham, the former RB Leipzig coach said: “Because he was injured. He still has that problem with his hip flexor and that’s why he couldn’t train yesterday.

“I spoke to him before and after the training session and we decided it makes no sense to just travel without knowing if he could really play. So we will see what the situation is like tomorrow [Sunday] and if he will be available again on Wednesday.”

As well as Cavani, Mason Greenwood is another option should Ronaldo be unavailable for the midweek trip to Brentford, however, one player who is unlikely to be involved is Anthony Martial, with Rangnick confirming the striker asked not to be selected for the trip to Villa Park.

"He didn't want to be in the squad," the German told reporters in his post-match press conference.

"He would have been in the squad normally but he didn't want to and that was the reason why he didn't travel with us yesterday."