Cristiano Ronaldo has left little doubt over what he wants to do in the minds of the Manchester United hierarchy after pleading to be allowed to leave the club once again.
The 37-year-old finally returned to United's Carrington training base this week after an extended summer break due to 'family reasons' with his agent Jorge Mendes in tow. Together, the pair held talks with United's board, including Sir Alex Ferguson, as they bid to come to a solution on his future.
United's stance from the outset has been that Ronaldo is not for sale and their position has been made easier by the lack of interest in the striker. But Ronaldo reportedly threw United a curveball by asking to be released from his lucrative contract a year before it expires.
According to The Mail, United swiftly rejected Ronaldo's wishes and reminded him that he remains part of their plans, as well as the fact that they are yet to actually receive any concrete offers for him from any other side.
Upon his return after a lengthier break than expected, Ronaldo was subject to extensive medical tests before watching on as United made light work of National League outfit Wrexham in a pre-season friendly that saw Erik ten Hag's side run out 4-1 winners.
United now have two games in two days this coming weekend, the first against Atletico Madrid before Sunday afternoon presents the test of Rayo Vallecano. There is a slim chance the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could feature in the second clash against familiar opposition from his Real Madrid days.
Ronaldo may take time to get up to speed with Ten Hag's new training methods given he is yet to actually participate in a session led by the Dutchman. The former Juventus striker cut a serious figure as he made his way back into the training ground alongside Mendes on Tuesday.
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There has been a surprisingly limited amount of interest in Ronaldo since his desire to leave United was made public. In the immediate aftermath, German giants Bayern Munich were touted as front-runners for his signature - but CEO Oliver Kahn has since distanced the Bavarians from United's number seven.
"We discussed this issue because otherwise we would not be doing our job properly,' Kahn told SportBild magazine. "I personally consider Cristiano Ronaldo one of the greatest footballers ever on this planet.
"But we came to the conclusion that despite all the appreciation for Cristiano, he would not have fit in our philosophy in the current situation."
Despite the lack of suitors, Ronaldo's desperation to leave Old Trafford a year earlier than expected has not waned. Unfortunately for him, United are standing firm in their stance he won't be going anywhere.
