Ronaldo back and motivated for run-in

Our leading scorer missed the 1-1 draw with Leicester City due to illness but was at Carrington on Tuesday, picking up his Player of the Month award for March.

With eight games to go, the Reds are in seventh spot in the table but Arsenal's 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace has revived hopes that a top-four place, and qualification for next season's Champions League, can still be a realistic target.

Ronaldo is clearly eager to fire the goals to assist United in achieving our aims and finish his first season back at the club on a high.

The Portugal international, who recently helped his country qualify for the World Cup finals later this year, has scored 12 league goals in 24 games (21 starts) this term.

Saturday's early kick-off on Merseyside could enable him to add to this tally as Ralf Rangnick's side meet a team desperate for points to keep themselves above the relegation zone.

With Norwich City to follow at Old Trafford, before crunch fixtures at Liverpool and Arsenal, Ronaldo is looking ahead with enthusiasm and grateful for the continued support of the passionate Reds fans.

When asked how he felt about winning our monthly award, he told us: "Lovely. Thank you very much for these votes. I feel so happy and motivated for the rest of the season.

"I will do my best like [I do] all the time so thank you to all of them and see you soon in Old Trafford. Thank you guys!"

Ronaldo's triumph was his third Player of the Month award for United this season, the same number as David De Gea has managed.

Both are expected to be in the running for the coveted Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year trophy, based on performances throughout the campaign.

The striker also won the Premier League's Player of the Month award, for the fifth time in his career, in September.