Ronaldo has scored 15 goals in 30 appearances this season
Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of Sunday’s Manchester derby through injury, as reported by The Athletic.
The 37-year-old, who is Manchester United’s top goalscorer this campaign with 15 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions, has only missed one Premier League game this season, which came when he was absent with a hip injury for the Red Devils’ 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on January 15.
It is also thought that Edinson Cavani will not be part of the matchday squad for the game against Pep Guardiola’s men at the Etihad Stadium.
With both Ronaldo and the Uruguayan forward absent, interim United boss Ralf Rangnick will be left with only Marcus Rashford as a recognised striker. However, the German could deploy attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes as false nine if needed.
🗞 Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of Sunday's Manchester derby through injury. It is understood that Edinson Cavani is also not a part of the matchday squad. [@lauriewhitwell]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) March 6, 2022
Despite registering an impressive goal tally so far this season, the former Real Madrid man has scored just once this calendar year, which came in United’s 2-0 home win over Brighton & Hove Albion on February 15.
Rangnick has previously admitted that Ronaldo “should score more goals” but was keen to stress that “it is not only an issue with Cristiano, it’s also an issue with all the other players”.
Speaking about Ronaldo’s form this year, Rangnick said on Friday: “A few things that have happened in the last couple of months that couldn’t have been foreseen by anybody.”
Rangnick, who will be taking charge of his first Manchester derby on Sunday, will be hoping to increase United’s lead over fifth-place West Ham to five points, after the Hammers fell to a 1-0 defeat against Liverpool on Saturday.
Related links:
- Harry Maguire calls out reports that him and Ronaldo are embroiled in power struggle
- Marcus Rashford responds to rumours of Man United squad turning against Ronaldo
- Cristiano Ronaldo appears to accidentally spit on Anthony Elanga after Southampton draw
