Erik ten Hag‘s men aren’t in action this weekend, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any Manchester United stories circulating.
United’s four consecutive Premier League victories have lifted spirits at Old Trafford. If Manchester United defeats local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad on October 2, they could be considered title outsiders.
Until then, Ten Hag will be hoping that none of his players sustain serious injuries while on international duty. One player has been injured, but it is hoped that he will be able to face Pep Guardiola’s champions. Here are the top stories from Old Trafford.
Ronaldo suffers a nasty injury
Cristiano Ronaldo was left covered in blood after colliding with goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik during Portugal’s 4-0 Nations League win against the Czech Republic on Saturday. The veteran forward was left on the floor from the incident and needed lengthy treatment.
Ronaldo did manage to finish the game but will be feeling sore on Sunday morning. He has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford in recent weeks, but Ten Hag has publicly reassured the five-time Ballon d’Or winner he is part of his plans.
“He’s totally committed to this project, totally committed to this team, totally involved, he also has connections that are coming around him and he is constructing connections so I’m happy with that,” said the United manager before the international break.
When he was asked about Ronaldo‘s goal drought, Ten Hag added: “We could expect this when you miss pre-season, he has to work really hard and invest to get the right fitness. He will score more goals. He’s really close, when he gets more fitness he will score more.”
United will reportedly trigger a clause in Marcus Rashford’s contract to ensure he doesn’t leave Old Trafford on a free next summer. The England international’s existing deal expires in June, yet the Red Devils have the option of extending it by a further 12 months.
Rashford has enjoyed a stellar start to the season, scoring three goals and providing two assists in six Premier League appearances. It’s believed United wants to tie him down to a new five-year deal. The forward joined the Red Devils in 2005, aged seven.
Rashford is thought to be interested in joining Paris Saint-Germain. If he enters the final six months of his contract, he can begin negotiating a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs, so United is expected to trigger the extension by Christmas to avoid this.
