Ralf Rangnick explains Cristiano Ronaldo's absence against Leicester City

Manchester United interim head coach Ralf Rangnick has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo is missing against Leicester City due to illness.

The Portugal international was not present with the Red Devils squad on Friday evening and is not a part of the team for Saturday's Premier League clash with the King Power Stadium.

Various reports had claimed that illness was the reason for Ronaldo's absence against the Foxes, and Rangnick has now revealed that the 37-year-old has been suffering with "flu-like symptoms".

"Unfortunately, he had some flu-like symptoms, which he showed yesterday. Obviously, he should and would have played in the starting XI but he didn't feel well and couldn't train," the German told Sky Sports News.

"Then the doctor went to see him at his house this morning to check again but he didn't feel any better and that's why, unfortunately, that's why he hasn't been able to play.

"We will play our normal formation that we always play, with Bruno [Fernandes] as a striker at at times, but also as a midfielder. Paul Pogba is one of the two offensive midfield players and this is how I have decided to play."

Ronaldo was involved twice for Portugal over the recent international break, helping his country qualify for the finals of the 2022 World Cup through the playoffs.