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Ronaldo absent as Manchester United reopen training ground

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The Red Devils have reopened their Carrington base for the first team following a COVID-19 outbreak.

Cristiano Ronaldo did not report back to Manchester United on Tuesday as the club resumed training on a ‘staggered basis’.

The Red Devils had to close the first-team section of their Carrington facility last week because of a rise in coronavirus cases among the players and staff.

This turn of events saw their league games against Brentford and Brighton postponed.

However, in light of the Premier League’s decision to continue with the festive fixtures, the club confirmed the first team had returned training on Tuesday morning on a ‘staggered basis’.

Ronaldo among the stars not to show up

As the squad’s return will be staggered, not every Manchester United player was present for training on Tuesday.

According to MEN, 18 stars were present in Carrington. These included Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Scott McTominay, Fred, Mason Greenwood, Luke Shaw, Jesse Lingard, and Juan Mata.

Greenwood, Shaw, and Lingard left the training complex after only 10 minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek, Diogo Dalot, Phil Jones, Tom Heaton, and Dean Henderson were not present.

When is the next game?

The Red Devils return to action next Monday on December 27 away to Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick is expected to speak to reporters in a press conference on Thursday ahead of what will be the club’s first game in over two weeks.

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