Man United welcome back Cristiano Ronaldo while Bruno Fernandes misses clash with Tottenham
Man United welcome back Cristiano Ronaldo while Bruno Fernandes misses clash with Tottenham
Manchester United will welcome back star Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo to the matchday XI as Ralf Rangnick’s Red Devils host Antonio Conte’s Tottenham outfit in Saturday’s evening fixture at Old Trafford.
Man United XI vs Spurs: De Gea, Dalot, Telles, Varane, Maguire, Matic, Fred, Pogba, Sancho, Rashford, Ronaldo. Fernandes not in the squad due to illness.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) March 12, 2022
United (5th) sits just two points clear of Spurs (7th) before this evening’s clash in the northwest of England as both sides look to try to put themselves on a course that could see them push Arsenal for the fourth and vital Champions League place for next season.
Ronaldo was not in the squad when United was thrashed 4-1 by rivals Manchester City last weekend, but his return (as reported by ESPN’s Rob Dawson) to lead the line will be monitored with keen interest as the club’s joint-leading goalscorer this season in the Premier League (9-goals) will be leaned on to make an impact as a three-point haul at the Theatre of Dreams would temporarily propel Rangnick’s troops ahead of Arsenal, who clash with Leicester City tomorrow at the Emirates.
Bruno Fernandes to miss out for United
As reported earlier today, mercurial attacking midfielder and Ronaldo compatriot Bruno Fernandes has not been selected to get a run-out against Tottenham tonight after testing positive for Covid-19.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 08: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor on February 08, 2022 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
It was first reported that David De Gea and Scott McTominay also tested positive, and while McTominay is indeed also absent from the XI that is set to clash with Spurs, De Gea has been called upon by Rangnick for his usual custodial duties at the back.
The loss of Fernandes is likely to be a critical one, however. His 9-goals are joint-top with Ronaldo in the club’s domestic goal chart this term, while his 6-assists sit behind only Paul Pogba (9) for United this season in the Premier League.
