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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Antonio Conte crossing his fingers over Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Man Utd clash

Antonio Conte hopes Cristiano Ronaldo continues his quiet form when Tottenham face Manchester United on Wednesday evening.

Ronaldo, 37, is enduring a poor season by his lofty standards after scoring just two goals in 12 appearances for the Red Devils. The Portugal international has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford due to Anthony Martial's and Marcus Rashford's good form.

Ronaldo was the thorn in Tottenham's side last season, as he scored a stunning goal to help them win 3-0 in London. That result led to the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo and his successor Conte didn't fare too much better against the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Spurs suffered a 3-2 defeat to United at Old Trafford thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from Ronaldo. Speaking ahead of Wednesday evening's game - again at Old Trafford - Conte has insisted that Ronaldo defeated Tottenham in their last meeting - not United.

"Last season he scored a hat-trick against us," Conte told reporters. "We're talking about an incredible player, a top player. We're talking about a player who continues to make a difference for the team in which he plays.

"I have a lot of admiration for Cristiano, for his professionalism, but I hope he will remain calm, not like last season, when he scored three goals. We lost 3-2, but we lost to him, not to United last season. I remember that very well, because we played a very good game."

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Tottenham last season (PA)

Do you think Cristiano Ronaldo can inspire Manchester United to victory against Tottenham? Let us know in the comments below!

Tottenham can jump into second and move one point behind leaders Arsenal if they beat United at Old Trafford. The Gunners aren't in Premier League action this week, as their game against Manchester City has been postponed to allow them to play in Europe.

United, meanwhile, need three points to remain in touching distance with the top four. They're currently fifth in the Premier League - three points behind Chelsea. The Blues are also in action on Wednesday evening, as they travel to local rivals Brentford.

Tottenham forward Richarlison will not feature against United after suffering a calf injury in the 2-0 win against Everton on Saturday afternoon. When asked if the Brazilian will miss the World Cup, Conte said: "No, absolutely not. No, I can confirm this, that the player is not risking to not play at the World Cup. Absolutely."

Conte added: "It's an injury but not so serious. He has a problem in his calf. I think he needs a bit of time to recover and then to be fit. I hope for him to play other games with us before the World Cup but for sure the injury is not so serious.

"I'm happy for the player because to play in the World Cup is the dream for every single player and for this reason I am happy for him. Also we're talking about a player that when he goes to play he gives you everything."

Ronaldo is available for selection - and so is Scott McTominay after he served a suspension in the goalless draw against Newcastle on Sunday afternoon. Martial and Christian Eriksen are doubts, while Harry Maguire is expected to miss the game through injury.

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