Ralf Rangnick provides Cristiano Ronaldo update and sends message to unhappy Man Utd star

Ralf Rangnick insists there are no issues with Cristiano Ronaldo and expects the Portuguese star to be available for Manchester United’s clash with Tottenham on Saturday.

Ronaldo missed last Sunday’s derby defeat to Manchester City due to a hip problem, returning to Portugal over the weekend.

Offering an update on the striker’s fitness, Rangnick told a press conference on Friday: ‘He [Ronaldo] resumed for training yesterday.

‘He trained the whole training session and I expect him to train today. I would’ve thought he was available tomorrow.’

Ronaldo’s decision to return to Portugal and not support his teammates at the Etihad reportedly took the United squad by surprise.

Rangnick was asked whether the 37-year-old had the club’s permission to leave Manchester but refused to clarify the issue.

‘It doesn’t make sense to look back on what happened the last six or seven days, what is important is what happens tomorrow,’ he said.

‘Not to go through all this. He and Edi [Cavani] are both available for tomorrow.’

Marcus Rashford meanwhile was a late substitute in United’s 4-1 defeat to City, failing to start despite the absences of Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood.

The England international has started just two of United’s last 11 Premier League matches with reports this week claiming he is unhappy with his lack of game time under Rangnick.

While the United boss is pleased with Rashford’s efforts in training, he insists the forward must show more of that when it truly matters.

‘To play at the same level he trains,’ Rangnick said when asked what Rashford must do to reclaim his place in the team.

‘Marcus is training well, he has got talent, almost everything you need as a modern striker.

‘For him it is