Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly withdrawn from Manchester United’s last Premier League game of the season which is against Crystal Palace on Sunday, May 22 at 16:00.
The 37-year-old Portuguese football icon was expected to feature in the Premier League game which could determine whether United will play in Europa League or Europa Conference League next season. But over 24 hours before the game, The Athletic reported that Ronaldo has withdrawn from the game due to an injury.
Futballnews has reported that the incoming coach of Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag is expected at the Selhurst Park stadium to watch Manchester United play live for the first time since he was appointed the coach of the club.
The immediate past football manager of Ajax has reportedly said he would not be directly involved in the Premier League game which means that the outgoing coach of the club, Ralf Rangnick is 100 percent in charge of the must-win game.
Unfortunately for coach Erik ten Hag who thought he could see Ronaldo live in a competitive game before he resumes his managerial duty at Old Trafford, he might not have such a luxury on Sunday.
The Athletic report claimed that Ronaldo has to miss Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace because the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is currently battling a hip flexor injury.
During the pre-match press conference of Interim coach Ralf Rangnick on Friday, the German tactician did not mention anything related to Ronaldo’s injury. Hence, it would be a big surprise for United fans who expected that Ronaldo would be available to help United fight for a Europa League spot. Note that if 6th placed Manchester United fail to beat Crystal Palace and 7th placed West Ham United beat Brighton on Sunday, United would play in the Conference League while West Ham would play in Europa.
It might interest you to know that this is not the first time Ronaldo has had to miss a league game at Manchester United due to fitness issues. He has had to battle with hip flexor in most parts of the season. He went on a two weeks layoff due to the same injury problem earlier in the season.
Recovery time with my boy 🧊🥶💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/gHDbT8gEWY
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) May 16, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo had a fair season despite injury woes
Despite his injury woes this season, Cristiano Ronaldo is unarguably the best player at Manchester United. He is the only player at the club that has scored 18 goals in the league this season.
His 21 goals contribution to Manchester United’s Premier League campaign this season could not earn him a nomination for the Premier League player of the year which Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City won ahead of Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.
Meanwhile, the consistent reoccurrence of Ronaldo’s fitness issues could force the new United coach, Erik ten Hag, to avoid building his team around the 37-year-old forward ahead of the 2022-2023 season.
Also, the coach would be under pressure to final a consistent striker that he could build his team around in the coming Premier League campaign.
Amidst his fitness issues, the speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Manchester United for a club that can guarantee him UEFA Champions League football is still burning hot. But reports claimed that Ronaldo has promised to remain at United if coach Erik ten Hag is interested in his services.
