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Cristiano Ronaldo will definitely play against Newcastle but 4 ruled out and 3 doubts – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

3 years ago
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Ole Gunnar Soskjaer has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will definitely play against Newcastle United.

The only thing he wouldn’t state categorically, is whether this second home debut for Ronaldo would be as a starter, or from the bench.

Ronaldo himself has already said he will be pressing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to allow him a starting place on Saturday.

With the Portuguese star making clear he is fully fit, it is surely all but a certainty he will start the game, with the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and others simply trying to add to the hype surrounding the game, with the whole ‘will he or won’t he’ start against Newcastle United.

The Manchester United boss also stated today that Jadon Sancho is available to play against Newcastle despite having to drop out of the England squad.

Whilst Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also indicated (see below) that at least five, probably seven, other Manchester United players wouldn’t be considered for the team to face Newcastle, due to injury, fitness and possible suspension issues.

The seven being, Fred, Alex Telles, Amad Diallo, Scott McTominay, Marcus Rashford, Dean Henderson and Phil Jones.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer via the official Manchester United site:

‘Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has provided an update on his squad ahead of the eagerly awaited return to Premier League action with Newcastle United on Saturday.

Thankfully, there were no injuries for the Reds who have been representing their countries in World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, aside from Jadon Sancho’s withdrawal from the England squad.

The winger has been training with his United team-mates since heading back to Manchester and will hope to be fit to be in contention for a place against the Magpies.

“You always cross your fingers that they come back fit,” Ole explained to club media. “They’ve all come back with a good mood, they’ve had some good results, there’s been some goals and those who have been here have worked hard, prepared well and of course, it’s an exciting game for everyone.

“ Jadon has come back in and trained the last couple of days. He’s disappointed he couldn’t play for England but determined to be fit and he’s available. That’s a positive.”

Fred could well be ruled out this weekend, and in the Champions League opener with Young Boys on Tuesday, after Brazil invoked a five-day rule regarding several Premier League players who did not participate in their recent games after call-ups.

The suspensions are being contested and Ole said: “We need to prepare for the game without Fred but, fingers crossed, some sense might come into people’s mind and we can use him.”

Alex Telles and Scott McTominay have been pictured by our photographers this week as they look to regain full fitness.

“Alex is not 100 per cent,” said the manager. “He’s still a few weeks [away]. Scott has recovered very quickly from the operation so, if he’s going to play or not, I’m not sure probably not, depending on who we’ve got available.”

Marcus Rashford is also on the comeback trail while Dean Henderson and Phil Jones have been taking part in the sessions following their respective absences.

“Dean has not got the after-effects of the tiredness any more so that’s very positive,” added Ole.

New signing Cristiano Ronaldo joined the group on Tuesday, after being released early by Portugal due to a one-match suspension, and there is much hype and anticipation over his potential involvement at Old Trafford.

The manager did confirm he will definitely make his second debut at some point.

Eric Bailly returned from his Ivory Coast commitments to work at Carrington on Wednesday but his international colleague Amad remains sidelined.

Other youngsters Alvaro Fernandez, Hannibal and Joe Hugill have spent time with the senior squad during the international break, and the boss should have a wealth of options open to him when he comes to pick his squad to face the Magpies.

Raphael Varane has still to appear in the red shirt at the Theatre of Dreams but he, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial all seemed to come through their exertions with France unscathed so he could be in line to keep his place at the heart of the defence.

Sancho is also awaiting his first home start while Edinson Cavani came off the bench in the win at Wolves and will also be in the manager’s thinking after remaining in Manchester. Jesse Lingard impressed for England in the recent win over Andorra, scoring twice, and will be another hoping for an opportunity.

The rest of the England contingent – Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw – should be available, along with Sweden skipper Victor Lindelof.’

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