Fulham vs. Man Utd: Cristiano Ronaldo absent

Cristiano Ronaldo absent

Manchester United plays Fulham at home on Sunday, but Cristiano Ronaldo did not make the trip to London with the team.

The 38-year-old was sick and unable to play in their Carabao Cup triumph over Aston Villa last week, and manager Erik ten Hag expressed doubt that Ronaldo would be ready to play this weekend.

Ronaldo has played 16 times for United this season in all competitions despite having a rocky relationship with Ten Hag, but he is likely done with the club before they take a break for the World Cup.

In line with earlier allegations that he had missed training at Carrington earlier in the day, Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News reported that Ronaldo was not a part of the traveling group.

Ronaldo’s absence does leave the Red Devils rather scant in attack, even thoughthe fact that he hasn’t been among the goals for United this season and was dropped after refusing to come on against Tottenham. Although Anthony Martial scored on his return to the starting lineup in midweek, Antony remains questionable for the match and Jadon Sancho has been dealing with fitness issues.

Ronaldo has been named to Portugal’s World Cup roster and will likely start up top when the team faces Nigeria on November 17.