Ronaldo, on Monday, announced the demise of his baby son and now Manchester United have officially revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo will not play against Liverpool.
On Monday, CR7 released a statement that read: “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.
“It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel. Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.
“We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support. We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) April 18, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo will not play against Liverpool at Anfield:
As soon as this statement came out, it was almost rational to deduce that CR7 will be an absentee on Tuesday night and finally, Manchester United have announced that Cristiano Ronaldo has been given time off to be with his family.
The official statement read: “Everybody at Manchester United and indeed the football world is sending love to Cristiano Ronaldo and his family, after the club legend made a heart-breaking announcement on Monday evening.
“Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time. As such, we can confirm that he will not feature in the match against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday evening and we underline the family’s request for privacy.
“Cristiano, we are all thinking of you and sending strength to the family.”
Liverpool fans are planning a golden gesture for Cristiano Ronaldo:
There has been a lot of chatter on social media that suggests that the Anfield fans are going to keep the rivalry aside on Tuesday and are planning a minute’s applause for Ronaldo, following the tragic death of his newborn son.
Several Liverpool fans on Twitter have urged their fellow Anfield visitors to grace the stadium with a minute’s applause during the 7th minute of the match.
How will Rangnick fill the void?
On the tactical front, this is a major blow for Ralf Rangnick because Man United need to win against Liverpool if they wish to keep their top-four hopes alive but without Cristiano Ronaldo, this feat will be almost impossible.
Using a false nine like Bruno or Pogba is an option with Fred and McTominay both out injured, we don’t think the manager can go ahead with this plan.
The other viable option will be to put faith in Marcus Rashford and use him as the main centre-forward with Elanga and Jadon Sancho playing down the wings.
