Ralf Rangnick considering major Man Utd selection decision for Tottenham clash

Cristiano Ronaldo could miss Manchester United’s crucial showdown with Tottenham with Ralf Rangnick wary of rushing the striker back from injury too soon.

Ronaldo missed United’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to neighbours Manchester City on Sunday after suffering a recurrence of a hip problem.

The 37-year-old returned to Portugal to recuperate but was back at Carrington on Tuesday to be assessed by medical staff and undergo light training sessions.

With United woefully short of firepower, Ronaldo is desperate to return to the side for Saturday evening’s clash with Tottenham – a fixture that could prove pivotal on the top four race.

However, Rangnick and his staff are mulling over whether to rest the Portuguese or start him from the bench on Saturday with the Champions League second leg showdown with Atletico Madrid to follow just three days later.

According to The Mirror, United staff are wary of rushing back Ronaldo and running the risk of aggregating the injury further.

The Manchester club are short of options up front with Edinson Cavani’s fitness an ongoing issue, Mason Greenwood suspended and Marcus Rashford devoid of form.

There was better news on the injury front however with Raphael Varane back in training.

The France winner was another who missed Sunday’s derby after a positive Covid test but was pictured in full flow at Carrington on Wednesday.

Cavani was also part of that group, offering hope that he could be in contention for the visit of Antonio Conte’s side.

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