Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will be back in the squad for Thursday's Europa League contest with Sheriff Tiraspol.

The 37-year-old hit the headlines when he refused to enter the field as a late substitute against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League last week.

As part of his punishment, Ronaldo was dropped from the squad for Saturday's game with Chelsea, which finished in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

However, the Portugal international has been back in training with the 20-time English champions this week.

Discussions between Ten Hag and Ronaldo are believed to have been "positive", with both parties said to be prepared to put the incident behind them.

© Reuters

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, the Man United head coach confirmed that the former Sporting Lisbon youngster would be back in the squad for Thursday's European affair.

"Yes, Cristiano will be in the squad tomorrow," Ten Hag told reporters. "It's not difficult. But I think we said everything and we answered all the questions, he was out for one game and is back in the squad as usual.

"You don't have to [ask more questions] because we will not answer anymore, so all the questions, I think, are everything we explained and we have to focus on the game tomorrow. We have an important game because we want to be number one in the group.

"I don't have to do it anymore, It's done, he's back, focus on the game, that's important that Cristiano is involved in the squad tomorrow.

"In this moment, also last week, we focus on the games. In the background, we always continue a process, working on the squad, so we want to have top sport culture and you see and examine how you can improve and that's what we will do."

© Reuters

There remains widespread speculation surrounding Ronaldo's future, though, with the attacker expected to leave Old Trafford next year.

Man United are said to be open to a January exit, with his contract due to expire next June, but the club also have the option to extend the agreement for a further 12 months.

Ronaldo, who will represent Portugal at the upcoming World Cup, has found it difficult to show his best form for the Red Devils this season, only scoring twice in 12 appearances in all competitions.

The forward has only started twice in the Premier League this season, but he has been in the first XI for all four of his side's Europa League games and will now be bidding to be back in the side against Sheriff, with the 20-time English champions looking to make it four straight wins in the competition.