Cristiano Ronaldo eager to help Man United bounce back after derby drama

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he is eager to help Manchester United bounce back following his non-selection for the Manchester derby.

Ronaldo was left out of the squad that lost 4-1 to Manchester City, with Ralf Rangnick claiming the forward had been omitted due to an injury. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner jetted off to Portugal instead of supporting the team at the Etihad Staidum.

Doubts were raised on whether Ronaldo was really injured, with former Red Devil, Roy Keane, claiming: "We talk about Ronaldo being some sort of machine, he's very rarely injured and then every now and again he comes out with something like that and says hip flexor. It doesn’t add up to me.”

But the 37-year-old squashed all rumours and posted a picture of himself training in full United gear.

He wrote on Instagram: “Hard work towards a strong recovery. Eager to get back on the pitch and help the team.”

Ronaldo has been linked with an exit from Old Trafford at the end of the season, with reports claiming he could be on his way of the club if United fail to achieve top four and qualify for the Champions League next season.

United are up against Tottenham in the Premier League this weekend as they look to break into the top four yet again. Rangnick's side are fifth, one point behind Arsenal, who have three games in hand.