Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Manchester United training ahead of Sheriff clash after first-team exile

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-team exile is over after the Manchester United striker returned to training on Tuesday.

Ronaldo also walked down the tunnel before the end of the game in an incident that overshadowed one of the best performances of the season from Ten Hag’s side.

Sky Sports News reports that there has been regular contact between Ten Hag and Ronaldo, but no “showdown talks” were held on Tuesday.

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Ten Hag’s options have been further bolstered by the return to training of Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek following their injuries.

Maguire has been out since last month after picking up a thigh injury while on international duty with England, while Van de Beek and Wan-Bissaka haven’t featured since August.

However, there are still concerns over the fitness of Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial.

United lie second and in a strong position to qualify from their Europa League Group E, three points behind leaders Real Sociedad and six ahead of third-placed Sheriff with two games to go.