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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Dan Marsh

Man Utd predicted XI vs Sheriff after Erik ten Hag clears up Cristiano Ronaldo situation

It's been an eventful week for Erik ten Hag, who quickly saw one of Manchester United's most impressive displays of the season overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese forward stormed down the tunnel and left Old Trafford before last week's 2-0 win over Tottenham had even concluded - and his latest indiscretion saw him omitted from the United squad that travelled to Stamford Bridge to play out a tense 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.

But as Ten Hag stressed that Ronaldo's punishment would not stretch beyond the weekend, the 37-year-old could return to the fold in the Europa League on Thursday night. The veteran has started all four of United's previous matches in the competition and he will be eager to prove a point when United host Sheriff Tiraspor. Here, Mirror Football takes a look at how Ten Hag's side could line up...

Goalkeeper and defence

David de Gea has kept his spot in the Europa League and, although that is unlikely to change, there will be changes ahead of the Spaniard after Raphael Varane sustained an injury in the stalemate at Stamford Bridge.

Victor Lindelof replaced the Frenchman at the weekend and should get the nod to deputise alongside Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the Manchester United defence.

Tyrell Malacia should be given a chance to impress despite Luke Shaw's recent revival while Diogo Dalot's recent fine form is likely to ensure he retains his spot at right-back.

Midfield

Join the debate! How would you like to see Man Utd line up against Sheriff? Let us know here.

It has been all change in the Manchester United engine room recently, but the big winner has been Casemiro, who has finally cemented a first-team spot after being integrated slowly by Ten Hag.

However, the Brazilian enforcer could be rested against Sheriff with Scott McTominay and Fred set to resume their midfield partnership against the Moldovan champions.

Christian Eriksen has thrived in a new deeper role since joining United in the summer, but the Danish maestro could be given the chance to play in an advanced role if Ten Hag opts to rest Bruno Fernandes on Thursday night.

Attack
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return for Manchester United (Ash Donelon)

After stressing that Ronaldo would only be excluded from the group for one match after his Tottenham tantrum, it's probably safe to assume that the former Juventus man will be reinstated to the Manchester United team for the meeting with Sheriff.

Ronaldo got off the mark for the season in the reverse fixture last month, and he'll be hoping for a similar outcome on Thursday night to give Ten Hag food for thought ahead of United's meeting with West Ham on Sunday.

Jadon Sancho has struggled for form and will be hopeful of getting a run out to impress against Sheriff while Antony should complete the Manchester United line-up on the opposite flank.

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