Cristiano Ronaldo is hopeful of playing in Manchester United's Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Saturday.

Ronaldo, who missed Manchester United's FA Cup third-round game against Aston Villa on Monday due to a muscle issue, has returned to full training ahead of the two sides' league game.

The Portuguese forward has been in every matchday squad in the Premier League since returning to Old Trafford from Juventus in the summer.

"I'm good. I just have a little touch but, you know, it's part of my work. You know, we have to feel some pain sometimes. It's nothing big and I hope to be good soon," Ronaldo told Premier League Productions at Carrington, according to Man Utd's website.

When Ronaldo was asked if he'll play the upcoming league game against Aston Villa, the 36-year-old forward said, "I hope so. We will try on Thursday. I will try to train as normal. Let's see how the body reacts. Fingers crossed. I'm confident."

With 14 goals in 22 games, Ronaldo is the leading goal scorer for Manchester United in the 2021-22 campaign. The former Real Madrid star has also provided three assists. The Red Devils are placed sixth in the league table with 31 points in 19 matches but have two games in hand.

"I know my body. Hundred percent. I'm mature and experience gives you the possibility for you to understand your mind, your body and everything around football. So it's good. I'm a different person, a different player [to my younger self] but the ambition is still the same. I want to play and help the team," added Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Photo: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the Old Trafford side will be without Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay during their trip to Midlands on Saturday. The duo has been suspended for one Premier League game after accumulating their fifth bookings in the competition during the recent defeat to Wolves at home.

Following the Aston Villa clash, Manchester United will face Brentford and West Ham in the Premier League later this month.