The forward was not expected to start the clash at Old Trafford, with Anthony Martial coming in for only his second start of the season thanks to injury, but the 37-year-old was not even on the bench.
Erik ten Hag explained why Ronaldo and several others were missing from action ahead of the game, bluntly telling MUTV: ‘Jadon [Sancho] ill, Cristiano ill, Antony injured.’
This is United’s penultimate game before the World Cup break, while earlier on Thursday Ronaldo was named in Portugal’s 26-man squad for Qatar alongside club teammates Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.
Ten Hag also added that he is hopeful that Ronaldo will be available for the trip to Fulham this Sunday and stated that his absence against Villa was not down to being rested ahead of the World Cup.
He said: ‘Difficult to say how he recovers. I’m not worried at all now.’
Ten Hag made six changes from the side that lost to Villa last Sunday in the league with Martin Dubravka making his United debut in goal, with David de Gea not starting for the first time this season.
Harry Maguire also makes a rare start, on the day that he was, perhaps controversially, named in England’s World Cup squad.
The United captain told Sky Sports: ‘A very proud day for myself and my family.
‘To represent your country at a World Cup is the pinnacle of everybody’s career so it’s a very proud moment for myself – but I’m fully focused on tonight and delivering a result to get us into the next round.’
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