Will Cristiano Ronaldo start for Man Utd against Brentford?

Cristiano Ronaldo didn't start for Manchester United against Brighton in the club's Premier League opener. It isn't yet clear whether Ronaldo will start the game against Brentford on Saturday.

TN Sports Desk

Updated Aug 13, 2022, 11:10 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo started on the bench against Brighton

Photo : AP

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Cristiano Ronaldo didn't start for Manchester United against Brighton.
Ronaldo isn't certain to start against Brentford on Saturday.
The Portuguese has reportedly been looking to leave United all summer.

Manchester United began their Premier League 2022-23 campaign with a horrific defeat against Brighton last weekend, going down 2-1 at home. Cristiano Ronaldo only started on the bench for the Red Devils but came on early in the second half. Will it be the same for him against Brentford?

Ronaldo has been in the news for more than a month, wanting to leave Manchester United for another big club that plays in the Champions League. However, his wish hasn't been fulfilled yet, with his agent Jorge Mendes still on the hunt.

Amid this situation of uncertainty, Ronaldo's future and role at United has also been questioned. When it comes to the match against Brentford, United manager Erik Ten Hag hasn't given an assurance of the striker's availability from the start.

“So, he had a good training week. I thought he played a little bit longer than half an hour (against Brighton). I would say he now has two half a games. The starting XI, we will see tomorrow. I, of course, have made my decision, but I (will) keep it,” Ten Hag told reporters on Friday.

Ronaldo played a little more than half an hour for United but didn't manage to create the sort of impact. Having missed most of the pre-season for United, the Portuguese probably doesn't have the match-sharpness that Ten Hag desires.

Anthony Martial and Victor Lindelof had missed United's match against the Seagulls through injury last weekend and they aren't yet available for the match against Brentford either.

Brentford manager, speaking to media, stressed that United can't afford to lose against his team.

"I don't think there is an ideal time to play Man Utd,” said Thomas Frank. “There is no doubt they will be the favourites. They can't afford to lose to us tomorrow. I have the belief we can win."

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