Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag spoke at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon and he confirmed that Anthony Martial and Victor Lindelof are the only players in his squad who are currently unavailable through injury.
That means Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane are considered fit and ready to play. Ten Hag named both of those players on the bench against Brighton last weekend and it was Ronaldo's omission that obviously made headlines. The forward has expressed his desire to leave the club and Ten Hag chose to play with a false nine after outlining his concerns about Ronaldo's fitness.
Although Ronaldo eventually made an appearance from the bench in the second half, he was unable to score an equaliser which would have prevented the embarrassment of an opening-day defeat against Brighton at Old Trafford. Ronaldo often delivered when his side needed him most last season but this was beyond his capabilities. Brighton defended well and deserved the win.
