Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will return to the fold when Manchester United host Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday.
The 37-year-old has been the subject of widespread discussion since heading down the tunnel before the end of last Wednesday’s 2-0 win against Tottenham and making an early Old Trafford exit.
Ten Hag revealed Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute, leading him to be banished from the United squad ahead of Saturday’s trip to Chelsea and sitting out the 1-1 Stamford Bridge draw.
But the Portuguese star returned to group training on Tuesday and the Dutchman has confirmed he will be involved against Sheriff at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
“Yes, Cristiano will be in the squad tomorrow,” United boss Ten Hag said.
“[This period was] not difficult. I think we said everything and we answered all the questions.
“He was out for one game and now he is back in the squad as usual.”
While Ten Hag was happy to confirm Ronaldo would return on Thursday, he was determined that another press conference would not be dominated by the frontman.
“You don’t have to [ask more questions] because I will not answer any more,” the United boss said with a laugh.
“I think everything we covered last week, everything we explained, so we have to focus on the game tomorrow.
“We have an important game because we want to be number one in the group, so let’s focus on that.
“It’s done, he’s back and focused on the game. It’s important that Cristiano is involved in the squad tomorrow.”
United will seal a top-two spot in Group E if they avoid defeat by more than one goal to Sheriff, but usurping Real Sociedad at the top of the Europa League pool is the main focus.
