Manchester United’s XI on Cristiano Ronaldo’s last League Cup appearance which came 13 years ago

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Cristiano Ronaldo may feature in his first League Cup match for over 13-and-a-half years when Manchester United host Aston Villa on Thursday night.

The 37-year-old has started four games in 11 days for the Red Devils and with Anthony Martial back fit, it’s highly likely that United’s number seven won’t start against the Villains in the Carabao Cup.

But unlike last year, upon his return to Old Trafford, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner may play in the domestic competition for the first time since 2009.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave the Portuguese captain the night off as the twenty-time league champions were knocked out of the competition at the third-round stage after being beaten 1-0 by West Ham United at Old Trafford.

With Erik ten Hag being short of options in the forward areas with Jadon Sancho and Antony being unavailable, the former Ajax manager is unlikely to follow in Solskjaer’s footsteps and not have Ronaldo in his matchday squad.

With just two games left before the domestic season pauses for the World Cup and Ronaldo only having three goals to his name this season, the former Juventus man will likely want more game time to try and build confidence and his sharpness ahead of Qatar.

Manchester United’s XI on Cristiano Ronaldo’s last League Cup appearance which came 13 years ago

Cristiano Ronaldo won the League Cup twice during his first stint with Manchester United and his last appearance in the competition was in the 2009 final against Tottenham Hotspur.

The 2009 final at Wembley was settled on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Reds beat Harry Redknapp’s Spurs 4-1 on penalties with Ronaldo scoring United’s third spot-kick before Anderson slotted home the winner.

United’s starting XI that day was: Foster, O’Shea, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Scholes, Gibson, Ronaldo, Nani, Ronaldo, Tevez, Welbeck.

As well as Ronaldo, Jonny Evans, Nani and Danny Welbeck are all still playing while the rest of the starting line-up that day have called time on their playing careers.

As well as winning the competition twice, Ronaldo has scored four goals in 12 League Cup appearances.

One of football’s greatest players of all time could mark his return to the competition come Thursday night against Unai Emery’s Villa side.