10.03.2022 » Ronaldo is key for United's top-four prospects
With Cristiano Ronaldo hoping to put his injury troubles behind him, the Manchester United star will be a crucial figure if the club are to secure Champions League football for next season. The Manchester United forward was forced to watch from the sidelines as his side were put to the sword by rivals Manchester City earlier this month, but Cristiano Ronaldo's return will be a massive boost for the Red Devils ahead of the business end of the season. Rangnick's men have a Premier League fixture against Tottenham scheduled for this Saturday and then they will face Atletico three days later, at Old Trafford. However, the chances of winning both of these pokies online NZ are quite slim and even comparable to win a jackpot prize.
Cristiano Ronaldo - MCTominay, Sancho and Ronaldo on target:
Ronaldo's quality missed
The Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium made for tough viewing for United supporters, as City romped to a 4-1 victory. United, who are currently priced at odds 5/1 in the outright football betting markets to finish in the top four this season, struggled to match City in the key battles and it was Pep Guardiola's side who subsequently claimed the points and bragging rights.
Ronaldo was forced to miss out on the encounter due to a hip injury that arose on the Friday before the Sunday clash. The Portuguese international star was fully expected to start against the Citizens and eyebrows were raised by his absence from the matchday squad.
Recovery has been quick for the 37-year-old and United will be hoping that's the last of Ronaldo's injury troubles for the remainder of the season. After 28 league games of the season, Ronaldo was the club's joint-highest goalscorer in the competition alongside countryman Bruno Fernandes with nine. Even in his advancing years, Ronaldo continues to set standards with his performances and will be a vital figure if United are to play in the Champions League again next season.
Red Devils face uphill battle
The competition for a top-four finish this season has been fierce and six clubs look to be battling it out for the final two spots behind Man City and Liverpool. United are firmly in the mix but dropped points against Burnley, Southampton, Watford and City, consequently leaving manager Ralf Rangnick and his side with a lot of work to do.
Arsenal won all of their games in February to bolster their hopes of a return to the Champions League. Meanwhile, the likes of Chelsea, West Ham, Tottenham and Wolves all have ambitions to finish in those crucial top-four places.
United will be hoping Ronaldo can rediscover the form that he produced upon his arrival back at Old Trafford from Juventus. The former Real Madrid star bagged a brace in his first game back in the Premier League in a 4-1 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford. Ronaldo then went on to score in his first Champions League game in his second spell for United against BSC Young Boys, before a goal in the following game against West Ham.
It was a scintillating start to his return to Old Trafford and if Ronaldo can find that form again, United's hopes of a top-four finish this season will be given a significant boost.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Manchester United is on March 12, against Tottenham. You can watch Manchester United vs Tottenham, AC Milan vs Empoli, Barcelona vs Galatasaray, Norwich City vs Chelsea, Sevilla vs West Ham, and Leicester City vs Rennes, all matches provided from our live soccer game pages.
Manchester United next game:
Manchester United vs Tottenham kick-off time (12-03-2022):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 03:00
Jakarta (Indonesia) | UTC/GMT+7: 02:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 00:30
Italy (Turin) | UTC/GMT+2: 21:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+2: 21:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+1: 20:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 16:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 15:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 12:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / bbc.com / independent.co.uk
