Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has warned the early stages of Erik ten Hag's reign could descend into a "circus" if Cristiano Ronaldo's future isn't resolved.
Ex-Red Devils midfielder Scholes re-posted a news article claiming that United officials are concerned Ronaldo may not attend the club's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia. The retired United legend added his own comment alongside the repost that read: "Let the circus begin".
The Portuguese forward only re-joined the club less than 12 months ago but is now angling for an Old Trafford exit with a year still left to run on his current contract. Ronaldo has sparked further outrage and confusion among the United faithful by not reporting for pre-season training as of yet.
The 37-year-old was scheduled to return from his summer holiday and get back to work at Carrington on Monday, July 4. However, Ronaldo was not present on the date or the day after having cited family reasons as the explanation behind his absence.
United are now having to deal with increased speculation surrounding Ronaldo's future, which has come at an unwelcome time for new boss Ten Hag as he looks to get to grips with life as Red Devils manager. The Dutchman's transfer dealings, or lack thereof, have also got under Ronaldo's skin.
International football's record goal-scorer feels that the Red Devils are not matching his ambition when it comes to their business so far this window. As of yet, United have only signed Dutch full-back Tyrell Malacia after hijacking Lyon's deal for the 22-year-old.
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With that being said, they are also on the verge of sealing a deal for former Spurs and Inter Milan star Christian Eriksen as a free agent after his six-month spell at Brentford came to end. The Denmark international kept the club waiting on his decision but at long last appears to have chosen a move to Old Trafford.
Next up on the transfer wish list is Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong - though he is proving a harder target to convince. United are rumoured to have actually reached an agreement with the La Liga giants over De Jong's fee, but personal terms are a different matter.
Ten Hag is having to juggle overseeing potential incomings while tending to the constant headache that is now Ronaldo's future and all that comes with it. It is inconvenient for the new United boss at the current stage, but the situation will reach a fever pitch if the forward opts against coming on the club's pre-season tour.
