Cristiano Ronaldo has been forced to sweat on his fate ahead of showdown talks with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo was dropped for Saturday's 1-1 draw at Chelsea and made to train away from the first-team squad after refusing to come on as a sub in United's 2-0 win over Tottenham. Ten Hag said he would have talks with Ronaldo - who was also fined two weeks' wages of nearly £1million - before deciding whether to allow him back to train with the first-team group.
But United's players have been given an today off following the Stamford Bridge draw, meaning Ronaldo must wait until tomorrow to learn his fate. The United boss wants to see genuine contrition from Ronaldo over his conduct, before allowing him to resume training with the first-team, having sent out a strong message with his treatment of the club's most high-profile player.
Despite Ten Hag claiming he wants Ronaldo to stay at United for the remainder of the season, it is understood there is a willingness to allow the forward to leave in January, if a club can be found for him.
Ronaldo agitated for a move to a Champions League club in the summer, but the only offer for the 37-year old striker came from a Saudi Arabia-based team, which was rejected by the player and his camp. If Ronaldo is reintegrated into the first-team squad for training today, he is likely to make his return for United in Thursday's Europa League tie against Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag was reluctant to discuss the Portuguese megastar's absence as the Red Devils earned a well-deserved 1-1 draw away to Chelsea on Saturday. However, the Dutch tactician did underline Ronaldo's importance in his post-match press conference.
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"It's obvious. He can score a goal," Ten Hag declared. "He's valuable to us. We need him, that's clear. And I think you see it also in this game; he can finish. That's quite obvious. I think I have said enough about the situation. Let's focus on this game. It was a good game for my team. I have to really compliment my team."
Ronaldo issued a 170-word statement following his punishment on Thursday, but notably failed to apologise for his behaviour. "Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote. "Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we'll be together again."
United welcome Sheriff to Old Trafford on Thursday looking to boost their chances of reaching the Europa League knockout stages. Ronaldo has started all four of the Red Devils' group-stage games, scoring one goal. His solitary strike came in the reverse fixture, slotting home an early penalty.
