MY ACCOUNT
Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Manchester United’s matchday squad for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Fulham after struggling with illness.
Ronaldo captained United in a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa last week but was absent for Thursday’s EFL Cup victory over the same opponents due to feeling unwell.
Erik ten Hag said it was “possible” Ronaldo would be involved in United’s final pre-World Cup game at Craven Cottage, insisting the Portugal forward’s absence was not influenced by the upcoming tournament in Qatar.
However, the 37-year-old was left out of United’s squad, with Anthony Elanga joining Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial – who both scored in Thursday’s 4-2 win over Villa – in their attack.
Ten Hag also opted to start left-back Tyrell Malacia in place of suspended right-back Diogo Dalot, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka not included in the squad, while Bruno Fernandes was named captain as Harry Maguire, selected for the World Cup by England manager Gareth Southgate, dropped to the bench after starting on Thursday.
Fulham, meanwhile, were without talismanic striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is facing a battle to be fit for Serbia’s World Cup campaign after sustaining a foot injury.
