Ronaldo eager for action against Newcastle

Says He Is Not In Old Trafford For A Vacation

Cristiano Ronaldo says he is ready to start for Manchester United this afternoon after rejoining on transfer deadline day. Today’s game between United and Newcastle will kick off at 15:00 BST.

Ronaldo says he has not returned to Manchester United ‘for a vacation.’ During his first spell with the Red Devils, the 36-year-old scored 118 goals in 292 games over six successful years in the North West.

“I am capable,” Ronaldo told the club’s official website. “I am ready to go.”

The re-signing of Ronaldo for £12.8m from Juventus was one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer as United’s rivals Manchester City had looked to be one of the favourites to land the forward.

The Portuguese star, who will wear the number seven shirt once again, won three Premier League titles, one Champions League, two League Cups and one FA Cup – as well as the Fifa Club World Cup and Community Shield – under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Although United have won trophies since Ronaldo left for Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2009, they haven’t secured a top-flight title since the 2012-13 season.

“This is why I am here,” he said. “I am not here for a vacation.

“Before was good, winning important things and I wore the shirt before, many years ago, but I am here to win again.

“It is a good chance for me, for the supporters, for the club, to get one step ahead. I am ready and I think I will be a huge thing in the next three or four years.”

Jadon Sancho withdrew from England duty with a minor injury but is fit, while Scott McTominay may come back into contention, though this game comes too soon for Alex Telles.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not sure if Brazilian Fred, who likewise had to miss his country’s World Cup qualifiers, will be cleared to play. Solskjaer said yesterday he is prepared to be without the midfielder, but added “fingers crossed, some sense might come into people’s mind and we can use him”.

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson and winger Ryan Fraser are out with respective thigh and ankle problems. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow will be assessed after recovering from COVID-19.

Magpies boss Steve Bruce says Miguel Almiron is available despite the threat of a five-day ban from Fifa after the club refused to release him for international duty with Paraguay.