Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will make his second debut for Manchester United against Newcastle this Saturday, though played coy on whether he would start the game.
The 36-year-old’s move to Old Trafford was confirmed on deadline day and he has been training with his new team all week after picking up a suspension while on international duty.
Having had a full pre-season under his belt, Solskjaer says Ronaldo is fit and ready to take on Newcastle – though he may be introduced off the bench.
Asked if Ronaldo will start the match, Solskjaer said at his pre-match press conference on Friday: ‘Everyone is very happy to have him back. Looking forward to Saturday.
‘He has had a good pre-season and played for the national team. He will get on the pitch at some point that’s for sure.’
The Red devils manager also suggested he would treat Ronaldo carefully, he added: ‘He knows I’ve got to make the decisions when to play, when not to play.
‘It’s my job to manage him and get the best out of him. I want to see the best out of Cristiano and that comes from communication.
‘Cristiano is a different player to the one who left but he’s in such good nick still and will be looking in the next few years to play and score as many goals as he can but also to be on the end of crosses and he’s added something extra.’
He added: ‘Ryan Giggs played until he was 40 and I’m not going to be surprised if Cristiano ends up with the same age as Ryan.’
‘It’s one of these things that Edison has been remarkable, played really, really well last season. Cristiano rang Edinson and they spoke with each other,’ the United boss explained.
‘To pass up his shirt, it just shows the respect he’s got for Cristiano but also Cristiano speaking to Edinson shows the respect the other way. Two top, top professionals and players and human beings.’
