Will Ronaldo play? Liverpool v Manchester United team news after Cristiano Ronaldo announces death of baby son

Cristiano Ronaldo will not play against Liverpool this evening after announcing the death of his baby boy.

Just three days after Liverpool made their way to the FA Cup final after beating Manchester City 3-2, Jurgen Klopp and his squad will play the other Mancunian side in a bid for the Premier League title.

Manchester United will be desperate to secure a place in next year’s UEFA Europa League as their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League fade away.

Liverpool will host the Red Devils for their first Premier League head to head of the season after their previous meet up was postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

While Ralf Rangnick will hope to end his season as temporary manager on a high, after numerous reports of an unhappy dressing room in 2021/22, Klopp and his men are aiming for the quadruple.

The Merseyside team beat Chelsea to the Carabao Cup trophy in February, will face the Blues once again in the FA Cup final and have made it to the final four of the Champions League.

As the two heavyweights in the Premier League prepare to come face to face, Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo will not take part.

The Portuguese striker released a joint statement with his partner, Georgina Rodriguez announcing the death of his baby son on Monday 18 April 2022.

Reports have suggested that Liverpool are planning a minute’s applause in the seventh minute of the match, reflecting Ronaldo’s shirt number, as a tribute and mark of respect.

When is Liverpool v Manchester United?

The two sides will face each other on Tuesday 19 April 2022 with kick off scheduled for 8pm BST.

Will Ronaldo play?

In a statement that was released on Monday evening, the 37-year-old said: “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.”

United then released their own comment on the club’s Instagram page in a tribute to Ronaldo’s son: “Your pain is our pain, Cristiano. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time.”

The striker has now been ruled out of the match after the traumatic event.

Liverpool v Manchester United team news

Bruno Fernandes was recently involved in a car accident on his way to Carrington but Ralf Rangnick announced in the recent press conference that the Portuguese midfielder would be available.

Raphael Varane remains a doubt for the fixture as he nears a return from a muscle injury. Rangnick said: “He was training with the team, he was on the pitch with one of our rehab coaches. With regard to the other injured players, it’s the same situation.”

United, meanwhile, are expected to be without Scott McTominay, Edinson Cavani, Luke Shaw and Fred.

Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns ahead of their next fixture but Klopp said: “There were some players not in the squad at the weekend and will not be in the squad for tomorrow, even if they are in really good shape.”

With so many fixtures coming up for Liverpool, Klopp will continue to rest and rotate. Everton will be the next opponent before the Champions League semi final and Klopp may well turn to Joel Matip, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino or Jordan Henderson after they started the game on the bench against Manchester City.