Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Manchester United's matchday squad for Sunday's Premier League trip to Fulham after struggling with illness.
Ronaldo captained United in a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa last
week but was absent for Thursday's EFL Cup victory over the same opponents due
to feeling unwell.
Erik ten Hag said it was "possible" Ronaldo would
be involved in United's final pre-World Cup game at Craven Cottage, insisting
the Portugal forward's absence was not influenced by the upcoming tournament in
Qatar.
However, the 37-year-old was left out of United's squad,
with Anthony Elanga joining Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial – who both
scored in Thursday's 4-2 win over Villa – in their attack.
Ten Hag also opted to start left-back Tyrell Malacia in
place of suspended right-back Diogo Dalot, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka not included
in the squad, while Bruno Fernandes was named captain as Harry Maguire,
selected for the World Cup by England manager Gareth Southgate, dropped to the
bench after starting on Thursday.
Fulham, meanwhile, were without talismanic striker
Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is facing a battle to be fit for Serbia's World Cup
campaign after sustaining a foot injury.