Manchester United legend Kevin Moran is not confident about seeing Cristiano Ronaldo playing at Old Trafford for Juventus next month.
Ronaldo was sent off on his Champions League debut for Juventus after he appeared to have grabbed Valencia defender Jeison Murillo's hair, as they tangled off the ball midway through the first half.
The forward left the Mestalla with tears in his eyes and is highly unlikely to feature against Manchester United at Old Trafford next month in a pivotal game in Group H.
Old Trafford was looking forward to welcoming their former player back in Juventus colours, but Moran thinks that it is unlikely that the five-time Champions League winner will feature in that game.
While he admits that the incident could look frivolous on the first look, referees do not take it too kindly to players raising hands at their opponents and Ronaldo is likely to receive a more than a one-match ban for the red card.
The former defender said on MUTV, when asked whether Ronaldo is likely to miss the trip to Old Trafford next month: “You have to think so.
“I don’t know too many players who would receive a one-match ban after getting sent-off [with a straight red], it is going to be more than that.
“There is talk that he has just clipped the player and there is nothing more than that but you cannot raise your hand at a player.
“From that point of view, it’s hard to think that he will only get a one-match ban.”
He continued: “A lot will depend on the referee’s report as well.
“If the referee’s report about him is clipping someone on the head with his hand, they would have to stand with the decision of the referee.
“And if that’s the case, unfortunately, we won’t see Ronaldo at Old Trafford.”
Ronaldo has played against Manchester United only twice since leaving for Real Madrid in 2009.
