Expert shares ‘big’ Cristiano Ronaldo claim after early Man United team reveal
Noel Whelan has insisted Man United boss Erik ten Hag won’t shy away from picking Cristiano Ronaldo if Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford fail late fitness tests ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday (2 October).
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 37-year-old will be “relishing” the opportunity to face Man City despite speculation linking him with an Old Trafford exit.
According to the London Evening Standard (1 October), Martial and Rashford are facing a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s clash after recovering from their respective injury problems.
Rashford has just been named the Premier League Player of the Month for September after his two-goal haul last month.
Ronaldo was dropped from the Man United side after missing most of Erik ten Hag’s pre-season and has made just one league start this term.
Whelan backed the Portuguese superstar to “thrive” against Pep Guardiola’s side after his record in derby matches in Spain.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s not a bad player to turn to, is it?
“Big players always turn up in big games, and the games don’t come much bigger than the Manchester derby.
“Ronaldo thrives in these sorts of matches, we saw that during his time in Spain.
“I don’t think Ten Hag will be too bothered about picking him over anyone else.
“He’ll be relishing this. If Rashford and Martial can’t play, why not turn to one of the best in the world?
“It’s not a bad option to bring into a game like this.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Man United set sights on Cody Gakpo after tabling “take-it-or-leave-it” bid.