Cristiano Ronaldo says he is preparing for his comeback to Manchester United’s first squad with “the same commitment and dedication as always” ahead of Thursday’s Europa League match against Sheriff Tiraspol.
The 37-year-old was dropped from Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad after refusing to come on as a substitute in last week’s Premier League win against Tottenham Hotspur.
Ronaldo was forced to train with the club’s Under-21 team and was absent from the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge last Saturday between Real Madrid and Chelsea.
The five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or has now resumed first-team training and might play in United’s Group E match against Sheriff at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo has taken to social media ahead of the match, posting a picture of himself in training at Carrington with the caption pledging to give his all for the team.
“Back on track, with the same commitment and dedication as always!” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
United’s No.7 has struggled for a place in Ten Hag’s starting lineup this season, starting only six of his 12 games in all competitions and scoring only twice.
Ten Hag, on the other hand, stated during his pre-match press conference that the Portuguese attacker will be in the squad for Thursday’s Europa League game.
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“Yes, Cristiano will be in the squad tomorrow,” Ten Hag told reporters. “It’s not difficult. But I think we said everything and we answered all the questions, he was out for one game and is back in the squad as usual.
“You don’t have to [ask more questions] because we will not answer anymore, so all the questions, I think, are everything we explained and we have to focus on the game tomorrow.
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