Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo drops selection hint for Sheriff fixture

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted he could be in line to start for Erik ten Hag's side when they face FC Sheriff in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Reds travel to Moldova hoping to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford a week ago. On that occasion, United fell to defeat after Brais Mendez tucked home from the spot after a controversial handball was called on Lisandro Martinez.

The defeat to Sociedad came with a rare start for Portuguese superstar Ronaldo, who has had to make do with a place on the bench at United for much of the season so far. The Europa League opener and Premier League clash with Brentford remain the only games Ronaldo has started for United this season after seven matches in all competitions.

READ MORE: Six things spotted in training - Rashford absent and Ten Hag's new focus

Ronaldo fell down the Old Trafford pecking order after failing to report for the club's pre-season tour of Asia and Australia. The Portugal international remained at home citing family problems, an excuse the club accepts, but United boss Ten Hag has largely left him out of his starting XI as the forward builds up his fitness.

The United No.7's bid to regain his starting berth has also been hampered by Marcus Rashford's fine form in attack since the start of the season. But Ronaldo could be in line for another Europa League start when United take on Sheriff.

Ronaldo has eluded to this with his latest Instagram post, in which he says he has "a good feeling". The forward shared a photo with his followers which showed him training alongside former Real Madrid teammate and new United signing Casemiro, and his fellow Portugal international Diogo Dalot.

Alongside the