World Cup

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Portugal training

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 19 November 2022

Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Portugal training ahead of their World Cup 2022 opener with Ghana on Thursday.

Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has made his return to Portugal training on the eve of the World Cup after recovering from illness.

Amid the fallout of his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, the 37-year-old's preparations for the global event suffered a slight setback due to a stomach problem.

Ronaldo was unable to take part in the Selecao's warm-up friendly with Nigeria in midweek, as Fernando Santos's side ran out 4-0 winners in the striker's absence.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner had also been unable to take part in Man United's final two games before the World Cup break due to illness, but he was put through his paces on Saturday.

Ronaldo was pictured back on the practice pitches with the ball at his feet less than 24 hours before the World Cup kicks off, as Qatar tackle Ecuador in Group A on Sunday afternoon.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during training on November 14, 2022 © Reuters

Portugal are gearing up for their Group H opener against Ghana on November 24, after which Santos's side will take on Uruguay on November 28 before ending their group run against South Korea on December 2.

While Ronaldo will expect to be fit in time for next week's opener, the striker has only played a bit-part role for Man United this term, and Santos has affirmed that he is not guaranteed to start every game in Qatar.

"Forced? This is not about forcing me. This is not a requirement. No one is forced to do anything here," Santos told reporters when asked about Ronaldo's place in the team.

"The question could be, you could ask me, based on what Cristiano Ronaldo did [in recent weeks on the pitch] should he start?

"This is valid for Cristiano Ronaldo and all the players who are with the national team. If the head coach is forced to put a player in the XI... there aren't those things here."

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo in action against Aston Villa on November 3, 2022 © Reuters

Ronaldo enters the World Cup having seemingly landed himself in hot water with Man United over his interview with Morgan, during which he brutally criticised various elements of the club.

The former Juventus and Real Madrid man took aim at Ralf Rangnick, the Glazer family, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney, while also admitting that he did not respect Erik ten Hag.

Man United announced on Friday that they had initiated "appropriate steps" in response to Ronaldo's interview, and he is widely thought to have played his final game for the club.

Ronaldo is under contract at Old Trafford until the end of the season, but the Red Devils are believed to be looking at ways to sack the striker if he is found to have breached his deal.

Since Ten Hag took charge of Man United, Ronaldo has scored three goals and set up two more in 16 appearances, having only started four Premier League games.