Ronaldo poised to return to kick-start United's season
Cristiano Ronaldo
Also In The News
|
Substitute Ryan Babel scored the winning goal as Liverpool deservedly beat Manchester United 2-1 at Anfield. |  |
Sunday, 14, Sep 2008 09:07
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make a shock return in Manchester United's Champions League clash with Villareal on Wednesday.
The winger, who has been out for the last two months after having an ankle operation, will be on the bench for the game at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo, 23, will also be a substitute for United's crunch game with title rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Sir Alex Ferguson said Ronaldo has made a quicker than expected recovery from surgery.
"Ronaldo is training now, he's with the first team and he's aiming to be a substitute at Chelsea on 21 September. He's come on leaps and bounds, " Ronaldo said.
"I think we mentioned a couple of weeks ago he was making rapid progress in terms of overcoming the injury problem he had and the training he's been doing with the physios and Tony Strudwick the fitness coach."
Without the Portuguese midfielder, who scored 43 goals last season, United have struggled in their defence of the Premier League. The Red Devils trail leaders Chelsea by six points after yesterday’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool.
Ronaldo's return will be a major boost to Ferguson who lost Michael Carrick to an ankle injury in the defeat at Anfield. The England midfielder, who left the stadium in crutches, is expected to miss the Villareal game while Paul Scholes is suspended.