Cristiano Ronaldo To Miss Manchester United's Match Against Liverpool Following Death Of His Newborn Son

The Red Devils need to win their crucial encounter against Liverpool to finish fourth so that they can keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

New Delhi: Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Manchester United's match against Liverpool on Wednesday in the Premier League following the tragic death of his newborn baby, the club said in an official statement. The star striker had scored three goals in Manchester United's last game against Liverpool, so his absence will surely be felt at the Anfield. The club now faces the big challenge of beating an in-form Liverpool without their leading scorer in the ongoing Premier League.

"Family comes first, and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones during this extremely trying time," United said in a statement on their website.

"As a result, we can confirm that he will not play in Wednesday's match at Anfield against Liverpool, and we reiterate the family's desire for privacy."

After being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup, Manchester United's aim is to make it to the Champions League next season. The Red Devils need to win their crucial encounter against Liverpool to finish fourth so that they can keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez, who announced in October last year they were expecting twins, said on Monday one of the two babies has died. The couple was expecting twins and while the baby girl lived, the baby boy could not survive.

The Portugal forward released a statement on Instagram that said, "It is with the deepest sadness that we announce that our baby boy has passed away."

He further said, "It's the greatest pain any parent can feel. Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness."

Asking for privacy during this difficult time, the couple thanked the doctors and nurses for their expert care and support.

“We want to thank the doctors and nurses for their care and support. We are devastated by this loss and request privacy at this difficult time. Baby, you are our angel. We will always love you,” Ronaldo concluded the statement, signing off with his and Georgina’s names.