Ronaldo set to ‘feature’ again in Europa League
LONDON, Oct 12, (AP): Cristiano Ronaldo will look to push Manchester United closer to the knockout stage by helping the English team beat Omonia Nicosia for the second time in a week. With Anthony Martial injured once again, Ronaldo should start for United at Old Trafford and is pressing a case to get more minutes in the Premier League after scoring the winner against Everton on Sunday for his first open-play goal of the season. The Portugal forward has been marginalized since the hiring of manager Erik ten Hag, who looks to want more mobility and pressing from his strikers, meaning Ronaldo has mostly been used in Europe so far this season. United had to come from behind to beat Omonia 2-1 last week to move to six points, three behind Real Sociedad. Socieded, which host Sheriff Tiraspol, are one of four teams to have opened with three straight wins while Arsenal have won two from two, with their other match having been postponed. Of those with 100% records, Real Betis host Roma, German team Freiburg visit Nantes and Belgian club Union St. Gilloise host Braga. Arsenal, the Premier League leaders, visit Bodø/ Glimt in Norway.
West Ham are eyeing another deep run in continental competition after reaching the Europa League semifinals last season, and can secure qualification from their group with two games to spare if they beat second-place Anderlecht. West Ham winger Maxwel Cornet remains out with a calf strain and forward Michail Antonio has missed training with a cold. Elsewhere, Villarreal have won all three of their games so far and can extend that perfect start away at Austria Vienna, the last-place team in their group. Fiorentina’s uneven start has left the Italian team three points behind group leaders Istanbul Başakşehir. Next up for Fiorentina is a game at home to Scottish side Hearts. In Group D, Cologne face a potentially tricky away visit to Partizan Belgrade, while Nice play Czech club Slovácko.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo will defend himself against an improper conduct charge brought by the English Football Association.
The Manchester United forward was charged following an incident with a fan after a game against Everton in April. Footage caught on camera appeared to show Ronaldo knocking a phone out of the hand of a supporter as he made his way to the locker room following United’s 1-0 loss.
He was later cautioned by police and last month the FA confirmed that the Portugal international had been charged with a breach of Rule E3.
Rule E3 relates to the general behaviour of participants, stating they must not bring the game into disrepute “or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”