After expressing a desire to leave Old Trafford, Manchester United is still unsure about Cristiano Ronaldo’s return date to training.
The club’s preseason practices are being missed by the Portuguese superstar at Carrington after he missed them on day two. United has accepted Ronaldo’s explanation of “family reasons” but they are still unsure of when he will return to the north west.
Erik ten Hag, who joined the team last summer after moving from Ajax, is getting ready for his debut season in charge. According to sources, Ronaldo initially stated that he wanted to be a part of the club’s rebuild, but he has since changed his mind and now intends to move on to greener pastures.
On Friday, the United team will depart for Bangkok to begin a preseason tour of Thailand and Australia. It is still unknown whether Ronaldo will accompany them, which would be a commercial setback. The club is left in the dark about their summer hiring due to the unwelcome distraction.
The Red Devils would need to find a replacement as the No. 7 has been in charge of the forward position. While there are still questions about Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani has departed the team. The desire to recruit a star striker would further exacerbate United’s problems in the market, which have already been difficult in recent months.
Ronaldo, who led the club in scoring last season with 24 goals, still has a year left on his contract, and United insists they expect him to see it out. However, the star was able to push his way out of Juventus less than a year ago, and he intends to do the same at Old Trafford.