Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has branded Cristiano Ronaldo "a leader" ahead of Thursday's Europa League contest with Real Sociedad.
The 20-time English champions are currently second in Group E, three points behind section leaders Real Sociedad, and the visitors need to win by two goals in San Sebastian in order to finish at the summit.
First position in the group would see the Red Devils automatically qualify for the knockout round of the competition, while second would leave them needing to take part in a knockout playoff tie.
Real Sociedad recorded a 1-0 victory in the reverse match at Old Trafford, with the La Liga outfit boasting a 100% record in the section ahead of Thursday's encounter.
Man United are missing three forwards for the clash, with Anthony Martial, Antony and Jadon Sancho all unavailable for selection.
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However, Ronaldo is with the squad in Spain, and the Portugal international is expected to be in the starting XI for the third match in succession.
The 37-year-old has played the full 90 minutes against both Sheriff Tiraspol and West Ham United in the team's last two games, but he has found it difficult to show his best form this term, only managing three goals and one assist in 14 appearances.
Ronaldo missed the recent clash with Chelsea as punishment for refusing to enter the field as a late substitute against Tottenham Hotspur, but Ten Hag and the player have now put the issue behind them.
During his press conference on Wednesday, Ten Hag branded Ronaldo "a leader" and "an important part of this group".
"First of all, to talk about his feelings, you have to ask him, not me. But he is really professional, he's in the group, he's an important part of this group. He's a leader type and as you know in Spain, he's a threat to every defence and you always have to keep an eye on him because every gap he will use," the Dutchman told reporters.
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Ronaldo has a strong record against Real Sociedad, scoring 15 times in 10 appearances, with nine of his games against them coming during his time at Real Madrid.
The forward drew a blank at Old Trafford back in September, though, with the match being decided by a controversial Brais Mendez penalty in the second half.
Man United have another four games to come before the campaign breaks for the World Cup, following this match with clashes against Aston Villa in the Premier League and EFL Cup respectively, before taking on Fulham in the league on November 13.
Ronaldo, who will represent Portugal at the competition in Qatar, continues to be linked with a move away from the Red Devils ahead of the January transfer window.
However, it seems likely that the former Sporting Lisbon youngster will see out the campaign at Man United before leaving on a free transfer next June.
Matt Law
