Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground with his agent Jorge Mendes for talks about his future at the club.
Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson also travelled to the complex on Tuesday morning. Ferguson arrived at the same time as his former player Ronaldo.
The Athletic reported that Ronaldo, 37, was travelling back to England on Monday to hold discussions with the club. He had earlier told United of his intentions to leave this summer if a suitable offer arrived from elsewhere.
Ronaldo is yet to work under new manager Erik ten Hag as he missed United’s pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia, citing family reasons.
United continue to insist that Ronaldo is not for sale and will be an important member of the team ahead of the 2022-23 season.
It is unclear at this stage if he will train with United on Tuesday, but he is expected to have a face-to-face dialogue with Ten Hag in the coming days.
His return is believed to be viewed by the Old Trafford club as a positive sign.
Sources around the matter suggest it is increasingly likely that Ronaldo remains at United, but there is still a lack of clarity about the situation.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly met with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes to discuss the situation and the idea of the forward moving to Stamford Bridge. The west London side has since ruled out a move for Ronaldo.
Ten Hag was asked on several occasions if he could provide an update on Ronaldo’s future during United’s pre-season tour but he stressed the situation had not changed and that he was not for sale.
Ronaldo has 12 months remaining on the contract he signed when he rejoined United from Juventus last summer. There is also an option for a further year which Ten Hag believes could be exercised.
Ten Hag, speaking in Melbourne on July 18, said: “I am well informed, he also has an option (of another year).
“Yes (he could stay beyond this season), but to be honest, of course, I have signed here for three years, but in football, it’s short-term as well. We have to win from the start. So I don’t look that far ahead.
“I have a strategy, it’s a process, it takes time but in the end, we have to make sure from the outset there is a winning team.”
Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions last season, finishing as United’s top scorer, but was unable to help them qualify for the Champions League.
A lack of Champions League football this coming season, and the determination to fight for trophies, are thought to be part of the reasoning behind his desire to leave.
The forward wants United to be competitive at the highest level and is said to be keen for them to match his ambition by strengthening the squad.
United have made two signings so far this summer with Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen joining the club. Lisandro Martinez has also agreed to move to Old Trafford from Ajax.
Ten Hag’s side opens the new Premier League season at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on August 7.
Source: The Athletic
