Cristiano Ronaldo pushed hard for a starting spot at training this week, beating his younger teammates in sprints and also posted a picture of him sprinting on social media.
CRISTIANO Ronaldo looks set to return to Manchester United’s starting line-up for tomorrow night’s Premier League trip to Brentford at 6.30pm.
Benched for their first match of the season against Brighton after joining his team late for pre-season, coach Erik Ten Hag admitted after the 2-1 defeat that perhaps he had made a mistake by leaving the 37-year-old out.
Ten Hag said after the defeat: “It is clear to see the second half we were better in midfield with [Christian] Eriksen down and Ronaldo up [front].
“We created and [Marcus] Rashford had two good chances, it is a shame we did not score …
“Cristiano Ronaldo is now 10 days in team training, too short for 90 minutes. That is the reason we didn’t start him.”
Ronaldo, though, pushed hard for a starting spot at training this week, beating his younger teammates in sprints and also posted a picture of him sprinting on social media, writing: “Hard work always pays off.”
While all eyes will be on whether Ronaldo starts and if he can turn around United’s bad start, it will also be a big match for Eriksen, who returns to Brentford where he spent some time on loan last season.
🔜 Our first #PL away day of 2022/23. #MUFC || #BREMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 9, 2022
Having left for United at the start of the season, Brentford brought in a new Dane, Mikkel Damsgaard, from Sampdoria this week. So while it’s a return for Eriksen, it will be the unveiling of Damsgaard.
And with Brighton having shocked United last week, Brentford’s Bees will also be smelling blood.
PREMIER LEAGUE WEEKEND FIXTURES
Tomorrow: Aston Villa vs Everton (1.30pm), Arsenal vs Leicester, Brighton vs Newcastle, Southampton vs Leeds, Wolves vs Fulham, Man City vs Bournemouth (all 4pm).
Sunday: Forest vs West Ham (3pm), Chelsea vs Tottenham (5.30pm).