Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Man Utd starting XI vs Sheriff

Cristiano Ronaldo is back in the Manchester United squad for Thursday night’s clash with Sheriff after being punished for his outburst against Tottenham.

The Portuguese forward was left out of the squad that went to Chelsea and drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge at the weekend after publicly showing his disgust at manager Erik ten Hag’s decision to leave him on the bench against Spurs.

Ronaldo walked down the touchline and was dealt with by Ten Hag – the Dutchman’s response fully backed by the club – before he apologised on social media.

The former Real Madrid forward returned to group training and is in the starting XI for the Europa League fixture with Sheriff at Old Trafford. He starts alongside compatriot Bruno Fernandes, who captains the side, while Alejandro Garnacho will make his first senior start for the club with four changes to the team in total.

Ten Hag had previously revealed Ronaldo would return to the squad, stating: “Cristiano will be in the squad tomorrow.

“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.

“We have to focus on the game tomorrow. We have an important game because we want to be number one in the group. It’s done, he’s back, focus on the game, that’s important that Cristiano is involved in the squad tomorrow.”

90min understands United and Ronaldo are prepared to part ways in January if a suitable offer is made.