Cristiano Ronaldo is in contention to feature for Manchester United when they take on Brighton and Hove Albion in their opening game of the new Premier League campaign this weekend.

New Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag will start his managerial reign at the club on a competitive note against the Seagulls at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon and Ronaldo is expected to feature in the squad at least.

Dutchman Ten Hag has had to deal with the rumours concerning the long-term future of Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. It was reported that the five-time Ballond'or winner wants to exit the club for the second time after the failure to qualify for Champions League football last season. In a bid to engineer a transfer away from Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo missed virtually all of pre-season football. He returned to training some days ago and has featured in a single pre-season game. Ronaldo played 45 minutes as aManchester United B team played out a 1-1 draw with Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano.
For the Brighton game, new Manchester United boss Ten Hag has been dealt a massive blow after Frenchman Anthony Martial was ruled out. Martial has an hamstring injury and will miss the visit of the Seagulls as a result. In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo in pre-season, Martial has led the line for Manchester United. The French international has been in very good form for his team in pre-season with three goals in four appearances.
In the absence of the in-form Martial, Ten Hag could be forced to field Ronaldo in his starting XI. Apart from Ronaldo, England international Marcus Rashford is an option for Ten Hag in his quest to field a focal point in his attack. Lack of match sharpness is the only issue for Ronaldo ahead of the Brighton game.