Ronaldo was back in training this morning despite the hip injury sustained against Sunderland at the weekend. Even so, he’ll likely sit out of the Champions League clash with Aalborg on Wednesday, a game which Carrick will also miss with what is described as a “minor knock”.
Both will remain touch-and-go for the weekend clash with Spurs; Ronaldo will apparently have further treatment on his injury and at this stage Ferguson seems more optimistic over Carrick’s chances…
“Michael should be ready for Saturday, but we’ll have to see how Cristiano is,” remarked Ferguson in today’s build up for the European game. Personally, with Rooney suspended, I’m confident that he will be in the starting lineup come what may.
Thousands of FPL managers have already shipped Ronaldo out prior and following last weekend’s game against Sunderland. With a missing fixture in gameweek 18, the Spurs clash is his last chance to bring in some points after three consecutive blanks. Whether he’ll achieve that against a Spurs side that have conceded just three goals in their last five home games, is another matter. Even so, getting rid of Ronaldo is a brave brave move in my book.
As for the rest of the team news from Old Trafford; Neville is set to come in for Rafael at right back, while Scholes is apparently fit to start but is likely to be feature from the bench once again. I’m expecting a good few changes for this one with Van der Sar and perhaps Vidic or Ferdinand likely to earn rests. Rooney should start up front however – given that he’ll sit out against Spurs.