United have confirmed Ronaldo will not play after announcing the tragic death of his baby son yesterday evening.
“Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time,” United said in a statement. “As such, we can confirm that he will not feature in the match against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday evening and we underline the family’s request for privacy.
“Cristiano, we are all thinking of you and sending strength to the family.”
Former Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is also a big injury doubt ahead of a game that could have huge ramifications in the title race and battle for fourth place as he nears a return from a muscle injury.
“[Varane] was with training with the team, he was on the pitch with one of our rehab coaches,” said United’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick on Monday. “With regard to the other injured players, it’s the same situation.”
Scott McTominay (foot), Edinson Cavani (calf), Luke Shaw (leg) and Fred (hip) continue to be unavailable for United.
Bruno Fernandes should be fit after being involved in a car crash on Monday morning.
“He was training with the team obviously the accident happened on the way to Carrington,” confirmed Rangnick. “As far as I know, no one was injured. He was okay and he’ll be okay for tomorrow.”
Tactically speaking, Rangnick will have to decide whether to keep Jesse Lingard in his starting XI after a rare venture into the lineup for the win over Norwich.
Paul Pogba’s place is not assured after he was substituted at the weekend, to a chorus of boos from the Old Trafford faithful.
Predicted Manchester United XI: De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Telles; Fernandes, Matic, Pogba; Elanga, Sancho; Rashford.