Manchester United talisman Cristiano Ronaldo is on course to make his return from injury against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this weekend. He missed out on the Manchester Derby in the same competition last weekend as Manchester United were beaten 4-1 at the home of Manchester City.
Ronaldo missed the Manchester City game due to a hip injury and he was reported to have returned to his native Portugal for a brief warm weather break when it became obvious that he won’t make the Manchester Derby. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has since returned to Manchester and he’s expected to be part of the squad for the home clash with top-four rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are in a battle for fourth spot alongside the London duo of West Ham United and Arsenal.
Without Ronaldo, Manchester United were completely outclassed by Manchester City during their derby clash on Sunday especially in the second half. The Red Devils put up a fight in the first half, but were completely second best in the second half as the Citizens cruised to a big win.
Manchester City took the lead through Kevin De Bruyne in the fifth minute, but Manchester United fought back for parity around the midway point of the first half with former City winger Jadon Sancho getting the goal for the Red Devils. Manchester United were level for just six minutes before De Bruyne completed his brace on 28 minutes. The two De Bruyne goals gave Manchester City a 2-1 lead at the end of the first 45 minutes.
Manchester City completely dominated the second 45 minutes and they were rewarded with two goals from Algerian star RiyadMahrez in the second half of the 45 minutes thereby recording an emphatic 4-1 victory to move six points clear of Liverpool in the Premier League title race.