Man Utd: Ten Hag reiterates stance on Ronaldo ahead of Sheriff game - 'now he's back'

Erik ten Hag has reiterated that Cristiano Ronaldo is in contention to play for Man Utd against FC Sheriff on Thursday night in the Europa League.

The 37-year-old missed Man Utd's draw with Chelsea at the weekend as punishment for his petulance in the game against Tottenham.

Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute for United in the win over Spurs and left the dugout and walked down the tunnel before the final whistle.

But the Portuguese star returned to group training on Tuesday and the Dutchman confirmed he will be involved against Sheriff at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

"Yes, Cristiano will be in the squad tomorrow," United boss Ten Hag said.

"(This period was) not difficult. I think we said it all and we answered all the questions.

"He was out for one game and now he's back in the team as usual."

While Ten Hag was happy to confirm that Ronaldo would return on Thursday, he was determined that another press conference would not be dominated by the leader.

"You don't have to (ask more questions) because I won't answer anymore," the United boss said with a laugh.

"I think everything we covered last week, everything we explained, so we have to focus on tomorrow's game.

"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 concentrating on the game. It's important that Cristiano is involved in the team tomorrow."

United will seal a top-two spot in Group E if they avoid defeat by more than one goal against Sheriff, but the main objective is to usurp Real Sociedad at the top of the Europa League pool .

The Red Devils travel to Spain next week for what should be a decisive group clash - one of Ten Hag's six games will be without Raphael Varane ahead of the World Cup.

The France international has been in brilliant form this season and looked distressed as he left the pitch injured at Chelsea with a reported knee problem which puts his Qatar dreams in jeopardy.

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“He will definitely be out until the World Cup,” said Ten Hag, who will again be without Anthony Martial against Sheriff. "He won't play in this block for Man United."

Asked if Varane can play in Qatar, Ten Hag replied: "I think so, but the prognosis, we have to wait.

"We have to see how he develops, how his rehabilitation will develop."

Varane's injury is a blow that could be offset by the return of United captain Harry Maguire.

Withdrawn from a muscle injury suffered in England's 3-3 draw with Germany a month ago, the centre-back has returned to training since the end of last week.

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"Harry, Donny (van de Beek), Aaron (Wan-Bissaka) are all training as a team for tomorrow's game," said Ten Hag.

"After the training, with the medical (department), I will make the decision (on their availability)."

Maguire started the first two games of Ten Hag's reign, but his poor form and ensuing enforced absence meant he only featured three more times for United.

This has given Dutch and England coach Gareth Southgate a hard time, who names his team for the World Cup in a fortnight.

“He will always play an important role,” Ten Hag said of Maguire. "He was hurt.

"I'm glad he's on his way back, so now he has to get back to playing.

"I understand the interest (for his playing time in England) but we are mostly looking at Manchester United.

"We need to get the right results and performance, so that's my main focus."

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