Cristiano Ronaldo will be available for Manchester United 's clash with Arsenal less than a week after the death of his newborn son.
The 37-year-old's partner, Georgina Rodriguez, had given birth to twins last weekend but, tragically, the baby boy passed away shortly after being born. Ronaldo announced the heartbreaking news on Monday and understandably missed his team's 4-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield the next day, where both sets of rival fans took part in an emotional minute's applause in tribute.
After returning to training on Wednesday and sharing the first photo of his new daughter a day later, the No.7 is in line to make a comeback for the Red Devils' trip to north London on Saturday. United interim manager Ralf Rangnick confirmed in his pre-match news conference: "Cristiano Ronaldo is available again - he's been training with us."
Ronaldo's return comes alongside Scott McTominay and Raphael Varane, who also did not feature in the Merseyside humiliation. Meanwhile, Paul Pogba lasted just 10 minutes and is set to miss the remainder of this season through injury. The Old Trafford faithful will be pleased to see Ronaldo playing again, having scored a hat-trick last time out against Norwich City.
As his family continue to receive condolences, the superstar wrote on Instagram : "Home sweet home. Gio and our baby girl are finally together with us. We want to thank everyone for all the kind words and gestures. Your support is very important and we all felt the love and respect that you have for our family.
"Now it's time to be grateful for the life that we've just welcomed into this world." Ronaldo also personally thanked supporters at Anfield, captioning a video of the applause with: "One world… One sport… One global family… Thanks, Anfield. Me and my family will never forget this moment of respect and compassion."
His return also coincides with the news that the Red Devils have appointed Erik ten Hag as their next permanent boss, replacing Rangnick this summer. Speaking about the hotly-debated appointment, United's interim manager told supporters what to expect from the incoming Dutch tactician.
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"From what I've seen of him with Bayern Munich and Ajax now, I like his football and I'm pretty positive with a full pre-season and having the chance to build and mould his own staff with a new team," Rangnick explained. "I'm pretty sure we'll see a different team and improvement on the pitch."
Ronaldo could be a player on the way out of Old Trafford under Ten Hag, although his current boss was tight-lipped on specific business during the summer transfer window. "It will be a significant change and rebuild necessary, that's clear" Rangnick admitted.
"But how many players and which positions, as I've said, I've not spoken to Erik in person yet. If he asks me my opinion in person, I'm willing to speak to him about my experience, but on the other hand, he'll also have his own ideas."
