Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived back at Carrington as the saga surrounding his Manchester United exit continues.
The 37-year-old hasn’t been a part of Erik ten Hag’s first pre-season up to this point, having missed the club’s tour of Asia and Australia for “personal reasons''. That news came shortly after it emerged that Ronaldo had informed Old Trafford bosses that he wanted to leave before the September 1 deadline.
Having spent the first part of his summer in Portugal, the veteran forward flew back to the United Kingdom at the start of the week. And on Tuesday, Ronaldo returned to the club’s training complex for the first time since the end of last season, in an attempt to thrash out a resolution.
Super agent and close confidante Jorge Mendes flanked Ronaldo on that occasion, where they are believed to have met with several members of the United hierarchy. Sir Alex Ferguson is also understood to have been in attendance, but his presence hasn’t deterred Ronaldo’s desire to engineer a move.
United’s lack of Champions League football is said to be a hugely pivotal factor in his current stance, with the competition’s record scorer desperate to extend his lead over arch-rival Lionel Messi. Ronaldo’s biggest current issue is finding a potential suitor though after several European heavyweights pulled themselves out of the running.
From the Red Devils’ perspective, they are adamant the player remains not for sale and is in line for a big role in Ten Hag’s maiden campaign as boss. The Dutchman has spoken of his excitement at bringing the Portuguese icon back into the fold, with just over a week until their Premier League commitments get underway.
Asked if he was worried about the speculation overshadowing his preparations, Ten Hag explained: "Concerning is maybe not the right word. I focus on the players who are there and they are doing really well.
“They are in good shape and I have further focus on that and develop that. I cannot wait for him to come in and then we will integrate him."
Ronaldo is said to have completed some fitness tests with United physios earlier this week and although he didn’t participate in the team session, he did chat with his team-mates to give them a debrief on the situation.
This weekend’s pair of friendlies could yet see Ronaldo lace up his boots again, although it is unlikely he will travel to Oslo to face Atletico Madrid - one of the teams linked with signing him - on Saturday afternoon.
What could yet prove more feasible is an appearance of some sorts in Sunday’s final pre-season game against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford. Having kept his counsel for much of the summer, Ronaldo has somewhat broken his silence, in response to a social media post speculating his future.
The post from a fan account read: "Jorge Mendes told Manchester United that Cristiano Ronaldo is adamant about leaving, but Mendes left negotiations less than positive that Ronaldo would get his move. Sir Alex Ferguson has intervened. United insist Ronaldo is not for sale."
And Ronaldo responded: "Impossible not to talk about me one day. Otherwise, the press makes no money. You know that if you don't lie you can't get people's attention. Keep going that one day you got some news right."
