Cristiano Ronaldo 'ready' for Europa League: Will Man United icon start against Real Sociedad?

Manchester United's third Europa League campaign in five seasons gets underway at Old Trafford against Real Sociedad on Thursday. All eyes will be on Erik ten Hag to see if the Dutchman gives legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo a place in the starting XI. The Portuguese icon, who will feature in Europe's second-tier competition for the first time since 2002-03, when it was known as UEFA Cup, will be itching to prove his worth and hoping to make an impact in the Red Devils' ongoing campaign.

On Wednesday, Manchester United boss Ten Hag insisted that Ronaldo is fit to start and will likely consider naming the Portuguese icon in his line-up for tonight's clash. Asked if the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could be a starter, the Dutchman said: "Of course. He (Ronaldo) started against Brentford. Then not since, but he is ready to start."

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As for Ronaldo, the 37-year-old striker who wanted to leave Manchester United this summer for a crack at Champions League glory appears to have made peace with his prospect of playing another season for the Red Devils. The Portugal talisman was seen training with the squad at Aon Complex in Greater Manchester and seemed to enjoy his fitness routines.

On Instagram later in the day, Ronaldo shared photographs of the team's training session and sent a strong message to doubters. "Ready for tomorrow," wrote the iconic striker, indicating that Manchester United's squad and he are pumped up for the Europa League 2022-23 season. It is unclear, though, if he meant to be 'ready' to play against Real Sociedad in Thursday's clash.

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Ronaldo was 17 when he was involved in the first round of the 2002-03 UEFA Cup (now called Europa League), in which Sporting CP faced Partizan. The Serbian team won the first leg 3-1 in Portugal before winning the second leg 6-4 on aggregate despite Ronaldo's assist for Vitali Kutuzov's goal, which resulted in a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time. Since then, the prolific striker has participated in each UEFA Champions League season and has grown into one of the league's best players. 

With 140 goals scored in his career, Ronaldo holds the record and has taken home the illustrious trophy five times. However, this season the story is different. The 37-year-old legend will need to translate that success for Manchester United in Europe's second-tier competition - the Europa League 2022-23.

Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo 'focused' on Man United's resurgence; sends message to fans ahead of Europa League clash