Cristiano Ronaldo, the veteran footballer, is expected to miss Manchester United’s last Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace.

The Portuguese footballer suffered a hip injury before the encounter at Selhurst Park Stadium on Sunday, May 22, according to British media reports on Saturday, May 21.

The absence of Ronaldo, who was born in Funchal, will be a major loss to United, since the 37-year-old is the club’s top scorer this season with 24 goals.

Ronaldo missed a number of games in January and March due to hip flexor problems.

United wants to return

United is presently in sixth place in the Premier League rankings, with 58 points from 38 games.

United will be trying to secure a place in the forthcoming Europa League after missing out on qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

They come into the game against Crystal Palace in 13th place after a humiliating 0-4 loss to Brighton at the Falmer Stadium on Saturday, May 7.

Ralf Rangnick’s final game as the team’s interim manager will be against Crystal Palace. Erik ten Hag will take over as United’s permanent manager after Rangnick leaves.

Rangnick had mentioned speaking with Ten Hag about Ronaldo’s future with the squad.

“This is something Erik and the board, as well as me, should discuss. Cristiano’s contract has one more year left on it. If he wants to stay, it’s also crucial to figure out what he wants,” Rangnick stated.