Cristiano Ronaldo responds to rumours over Manchester United absence with Instagram post

Cristiano Ronaldo has addressed rumours over his absence from Manchester United's squad last Sunday.

The 37-year-old has been back at Carrington over the last couple of days having missed Sunday’s derby defeat to Manchester City. Ronaldo had to sit out the 4-1 loss after picking up a hip flexor injury.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made a trip back to Portugal once it had been confirmed he was ruled out of the derby, before returning to the UK on Monday. Ronaldo has since been pictured working separately from the main group as he looks to get back to full fitness.

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Despite Ralf Rangnick confirming the Portuguese ace’s injury problem on Sunday, rumours elsewhere suggested Ronaldo was actually fully fit and had been dropped by the interim boss. Former United captain Roy Keane also questioned his former teammate’s absence.

However, Ronaldo now looks to have rubbished the suggestion that the decision to leave him out was a tactical one. He took to Instagram following his latest training session to confirm he was recovering from injury.

“Hard work towards a strong recovery. Eager to get back on the pitch and help the team,” Ronaldo posted, alongside a picture of himself running hard at Carrington.

Despite returning to training this week, it remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will be fit for Saturday’s crucial fixture against Tottenham at Old Trafford.

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