Cristiano Ronaldo set to offer defence over FA charge as Erik ten Hag gives update

Manchester United are in the dark over when the Football Association will announce their verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo's charge.

The FA announced they had charged Ronaldo on an allegation of improper and/or violent conduct on September 23 following an incident after United's 1-0 defeat at Everton on April 9.

Ronaldo smashed a young fan's phone as he walked off the pitch at Goodison Park and apologised for his behaviour on social media.

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The 37-year-old had until Monday to contest the charge and decided against doing so, but Ronaldo and United are prepared to launch a defence if he receives a multiple-match suspension.

United face current top-six teams Newcastle, Tottenham and Chelsea in their next three Premier League fixtures and it is unclear if the FA will impose a suspension on Ronaldo during that period.

"No, I don't know when the defence will be so we don't have a timeline," United manager Erik ten Hag said.

Ronaldo could spearhead the same attacking quartet that lined up in the narrow win over Omonia Nicosia, with Antony bidding to score in his fourth consecutive Premier League appearance.

The 22-year-old became the first United player to register in his first three Premier League games at Everton last week but Antony came off midway through the second-half against Omonia on Thursday night.

"Development," Ten Hag said of Antony. "I think we have seen now his dribbling capabilities, his speed, his finishing, his creating. Now also he has to work on more variation.

"He is a player who can adapt quickly to a high level. He's a player who likes challenges. He needs challenges. Every training for him is a challenge, every game is a challenge and that will make the