Ralf Rangnick has provided an update on the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire and is hopeful the pair will be fit for Manchester United’s clash with Aston Villa this weekend.
United travel to face Villa in the Premier League tomorrow evening, the second meeting between the sides in six days after the Red Devils’ 1-0 win in the FA Cup’s third round on Monday.
Ronaldo and Maguire are both doubts for the clash after missing the cup win earlier this week, with the former nursing a muscular issue. Maguire has been dealing with a chest problem but has since returned to training and Rangnick is hopeful that the duo will be passed fit for the trip to Villa Park.
“I hope they will be available,” Rangnick told his pre-match press conference.
”Ronaldo only trained for the first time yesterday, Maguire day before.
”We will wait for the final session and they should be available tomorrow.”
Rangnick discussed what he expects from Aston Villa tomorrow, with Steven Gerrard’s side having dominated for large periods during an unfortunate defeat at Old Trafford on Monday evening.
Villa will also be buoyed following the arrivals of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne during the January transfer window with the club’s board having backed the new manager this winter.
Rangnick says he is well aware of the threat posed by tomorrow’s opponents following their recent meeting and has called on his players to produce the ‘best possible performance’.
“At least we know from experience what the challenge will be,” he said.
“We know we beat them.
“Now it is about showing the best possible performance in order to win at Villa Park.”
