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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Cristiano Ronaldo reaction and three more things spotted in Manchester United training

Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to be in good spirits as Manchester United continued their preparations for the clash with West Ham with another training session at Carrington.

Ronaldo, 37, has taken centre stage over the past few days after he was omitted from the matchday squad against Chelsea - for refusing to come off the bench - before scoring on his return to the team. That goal came in a winning cause at Old Trafford on Thursday night when FC Sheriff were routinely swept aside.

United might find things a little more difficult when returning to the same venue on Sunday afternoon (4.15pm) for their Premier League fixture with the Hammers. Here are four things the Manchester Evening News spotted as Ronaldo and his teammates continued their pre-match preparations.

READ MORE: United stance on Garnacho future

Returning captain Harry Maguire shares a moment with Alejandro Garnacho. (Manchester United FC)

Maguire shares moment with Garnacho

Ronaldo is now in the twilight years of his career with supporters gearing up for his second departure from the club. All signs point towards a bright future, though, as Argentina starlet Alejandro Garnacho continues his rapid rise. After mixing it alongside his idol Ronaldo when making his full debut on Thursday night, the teenager cut a popular figure in training with Harry Maguire embracing the youngster in what looked to be a lovely moment between the two players.

Cristiano Ronaldo was all smiles during the Carrington training session. (Manchester United FC)

Ronaldo all smiles after goalscoring return

Death, taxes and Ronaldo hitting the net. Amid the uncertainty surrounding his United future, there is still nothing so sure as the five-time Ballon d'Or winner sending the ball home when presented with an opportunity. Ronaldo was smiling from ear to ear when caught on camera during this latest Carrington session. Let's hope it lasts.

England defender Harry Maguire stepped up his recovery from injury. (Manchester United FC)

Maguire sharp and ready to start?

United losing Raphael Varane to injury was a huge blow given the fantastic defensive partnership he has struck up with summer signing Lisandro Martinez. But with that setback comes an opportunity for Maguire or Victor Lindelof to stake their claim. Lindelof started on Thursday night as Maguire got 45 minutes from the bench. Was that a slight hint towards his selection plans on Sunday afternoon or has Ten Hag played a double bluff?

Donny van de Beek looked sharp during passing and ball retention drills. (Manchester United FC)

Forcing his way up the pecking order

You have to spare a thought or two for Donny van de Beek. Seldom used by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Ralf Rangnick, the former Ajax playmaker would have been chomping at the bit to prove his worth to mentor Ten Hag when he was appointed this summer. A pesky injury has prevented him from doing that so far this season, but it was a welcome sight to see him back on the pitch against FC Sheriff and Van de Beek was as sharp as ever when captured in this video clip.

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