Cristiano Ronaldo provides fitness update ahead of Aston Villa clash

Cristiano Ronaldo is hopeful that he will be available for Manchester United's Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

The Portugal international missed out against Villa in the FA Cup on Monday due to a minor hip problem.

However, Man United interim head coach Ralf Rangnick said after the match with Steven Gerrard's side that he expected Ronaldo to be available for selection at Villa Park.

Ronaldo has said that he is "confident" of making this weekend's Premier League game, with the 36-year-old set to train on Thursday to 'see how his body reacts'.

"I hope so. We will try on Thursday. I will try to train as normal. Let's see how the body reacts. Fingers crossed. I'm confident," Ronaldo told MUTV.

The Portuguese has scored 14 times and registered three assists in 21 appearances for the 20-time English champions during the 2021-22 campaign.

Man United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last league match, which has left them in seventh spot in the table, six points behind fourth-placed West Ham United.