Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to Instagram to let it be known that he is "eager to get back on the pitch" after his recent hip flexor injury sparked huge speculation over his future.
The 37-year-old missed the Manchester derby last Sunday with the knock, though not everyone seemed convinced as Roy Keane suggested not all was as it seemed and that Ralf Rangnick's injury update "didn't add up."
Reports quickly emerged that Ronaldo was not even in the city for the game, instead opting to fly home back to Portugal for the weekend while recovering from the injury.
However, he has since confirmed he is back in full training, ready and raring to go as United prepare for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon.
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Ronaldo uploaded a picture of him being put through his paces at Carrington alongside a caption that read: "Hard work towards a strong recovery. Eager to get back on the pitch and help the team."
The update comes just days after rumours first circulated over alleged showdown talks held between Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes over the possibility of leaving the club after just one season.
Mendes is thought to have tried to calm the player down following a heated exchange with Rangnick after the German told Ronaldo he would start the game against City on the bench for "tactical reasons."
Ronaldo's decision to fly to Portugal brought some past comments from Rangnick to light, where the manager admitted he prefers all injury rehabilitation to be completed at the training ground.
"My former clubs were always trying to make sure the rehab should take place in the club itself," said the German coach last December.
"As far as I can tell the medical department is really good, very good, with many different approaches towards rehab... in the future I want them [injured players] to stay here."
United are out of both domestic cup competitions and staring down the barrel of finishing outside the top four, a point behind Arsenal having played three games more than the Gunners.
Their last, albeit faint hope of silverware comes in the form of the Champions League where they face off with Atletico Madrid in the second-leg of their round of 16 clash next week.
The tie is evenly balanced after the first-leg at the Wanda Metropolitano ended 1-1 and it was widely expected that Ronaldo would be rested for the visit of Spurs at the weekend with the second-leg against Atletico in mind.
His latest post ensures that if Ronaldo is not named in the starting line-up against Antonio Conte's side, Rangnick can not hid behind the guise of any 'injury'.
