Cristiano Ronaldo misses Man Utd’s behind-closed-doors friendly vs Halifax amid doubts he’ll be fit for Brentford clash
CRISTIANO RONALDO sat out again as Manchester United took on Halifax Town in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
New boss Erik ten Hag used the Carrington clash with United’s National League neighbours to build up the fitness of his fringe stars.
But Ronaldo was not among them, despite missing almost all of pre-season and only featuring off the bench in Sunday’s calamitous Premier League opener against Brighton.
The wantaway Portuguese star was left out of Ten Hag‘s starting line-up for the 2-1 loss to the Seagulls after a summer of uncertainty over his future.
It was a nightmare start for United, who eventually turned to the forward in the 53rd-minute but he was unable to inspire a comeback.
Ten Hag admitted after the loss, in his first competitive game as boss, that United looked better with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner up front.
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The United boss told Sky Sports: “It was clear to see in the second half we were better in the midfield, Christian Eriksen down and Cristiano Ronaldo up.
“We created and had really good chances. It is a pity we didn’t score them.”
The Portuguese icon – who has so far failed to seal an exit to Champions League side – will need to build up his match fitness to drag United out of the doldrums.
However, he was not risked as United ran out 5-1 winners over National League Halifax on Monday afternoon.
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However, centre-halves Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof are understood to have featured in their bid for minutes, joined in the backline by full-backs Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Young guns James Garner, Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho were also included while veteran goalie Tom Heaton was between the sticks.
Ten Hag will be desperate for Ronaldo to feature for longer in United’s trip to Brentford on Saturday lunchtime.
And the Dutchman is confident Ronaldo’s fitness levels will improve after he missed pre-season due to family reasons.
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The Dutchman added: “It takes time, you cannot force it. He is one week in training.
“He has to do more to get fit. This game will help and he will be better next week.”