Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not playing today for Man Utd against Liverpool in the Premier League?

IT'S back to Premier League action TONIGHT for Manchester United as the Red Devils take on red hot Liverpool at Anfield.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo will not be playing in the match following the tragic death of his baby son.

The Portuguese legend was ultimately the difference maker in United's 3-2 recent victory over Norwich when he bagged a hat-trick.

But Ronaldo was understandably missing from the pre-match training session and will continue to sit on the side-lines until further notice.

Why isn't Cristiano Ronaldo playing tonight?

Manchester United have released a statement confirming that Ronaldo has been granted the time off to go and be with his family during these tragic times.

The statement read: "Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time.

"As such, we can confirm that he will not feature in the match against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday evening and we underline the family's request for privacy."

Ronaldo, 37, has been a workhorse since his return to Manchester in the summer and has become the oldest player in Premier League history to score 15+ goals in a single campaign.

And the Liverpool fans are set to applaud the goal-machine and his family whilst they mourn their sons devastating death.