Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United is increasingly uncertain and rumours of his exit have gained momentum in the last couple of weeks, with the forward asking to leave the club over the weekend.
Earlier, it was reported that despite making his wish to leave the club this summer clear, United had fired a strict warning that he must go on tour with the side on Friday.
That is now looking increasingly unlikely with each passing day after the 37-year-old missed the first day of training on Monday, with the club confirming it was due to ‘family reasons’.
Now, it’s being reported that Ronaldo will miss training once again on Tuesday, becoming the only player out of 13 international figures to fail to report into Carrington.
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That’s according to The Athletic, who say that Ronaldo is not expected at Carrington today either. It’s also stated that it is unclear when Ronaldo will make his return to the club.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is believed to have met with Ronaldo’s representatives to explore a move but United maintain that their superstar striker is not for sale.
SN’s verdict…
Ronaldo’s stand-off with the club is very much public at this point and whichever way you paint it, it’s damaging for United. Your talisman and top scorer wanting to leave is not a good look and with the pre-season tour just days away, Erik ten Hag will be desperate to have this matter resolved as soon as possible.
At face value, you could understand why Ronaldo might want to leave the club after just one year back but going on strike, even if this no-show has been described as something else, is an unprofessional move and uncharacteristic for Ronaldo.
Ten Hag spoke glowingly of the player in his first press conference in May and fans have even debated that he could be made captain this summer.
That is now almost certainly not going to happen and unfortunately, it does look like he could have played his final game in United red.