Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will be part of the squad for tomorrow’s Europa League game against Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the manager also confirmed that Raphael Varane will be absent from all matches leading up to the World Cup due to injury.
Ten Hag was asked if Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and Donny van de Beek would be available for tomorrow’s game, having returned to training.
“After training together with doctors I will make a decision,” he said.
Christian Eriksen also participated in the press conference, which could indicate his participation in the match.
Ten Hag was asked if Facundo Pellistri is expected to play a role in the future.
“He was injured for a long time, Atlético de Madrid was a bad injury,” he said.
“We have some young players in offensive positions, they have to convince me to be in the team, and he is one of the options.”
Ten Hag was also asked about Harry Maguire and whether the time off would have had a positive effect on him.
“It’s always about performance, about presentation,” the boss replied.
“I think when it reflects his qualities, there is no problem. He is a great player, with great capabilities to get the job done for us.”
Ten Hag was asked if Raphael Varane’s reaction to injury means the World Cup is a distraction for the players, who have an eye on the tournament and avoiding injuries.
“Focus is very important because if you don’t have the right focus, the risk of injury is even higher,” he said.
“For each game we have to be well and well prepared. It is an important block for us.
“We have to stay in the right frame of mind, the right focus and do everything in the spirit of the team.
When asked if he agreed with other coaches that players should rest before the tournament, he replied:
“It is a wrong idea. Because they only have a week, and then the World Cup starts. You have to maintain the proper physical condition, the correct form. It’s not optimal, but that’s something national directors have to deal with. So keep up the pace… this is the way to go.”
“In that first half against Chelsea we brought two fewer players up front. We have to get players from behind. We were too defensive, we have to get players forward”.
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