After missing virtually all of Manchester United’s pre-season due to family reasons and angling for a move away, Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly flown to England ahead of crunch talks over his future.
Speculation has been rife in recent weeks that the 37-year-old views his future elsewhere given the Red Devils’ many failures last season, but new boss Erik ten Hag has repeated his desire to keep the superstar at Old Trafford.
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According to The Athletic, the Dutchman will get his first chance to properly speak with Ronaldo as the Portuguese ace returned to England on Monday although it is unclear if he will participate in Tuesday’s training.
United also have two more friendlies against La Liga outfits Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano a week before their Premier League opener against Brighton on August 7, so there is a chance Ronaldo could get some valuable minutes under his belt.
Despite ten Hag’s side enjoying strong pre-season results so far, the Ronaldo saga has been an unwelcome sideshow.
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He stated to United powerbrokers that he would like to move on to pastures new should a reasonable offer come in for him, however that has yet to eventuate as the club remains unmoved in their position of wanting to keep him.
There were murmurs of Chelsea making a play for Ronaldo after new Blues owner Todd Boehly met with super agent Jorge Mendes to see if a move would be feasible, but that is now no longer on the table.
A report from The Mirroron Monday also claimed that a one-year loan to Atletico Madrid could be on the cards given they are competing in the Champions League, but this appears unlikely due to Ronaldo’s history with the club’s arch rivals, Real Madrid.
Ten Hag stated often throughout the pre-season that he views Ronaldo as part of his plans and wishes to keep him at the club.
It’s easy to see why, as the superstar bagged 24 goals in all competitions to be United’s top scorer but was ultimately unable to lift the team into the Champions League.
Ronaldo has another 12 months to run on his deal at Old Trafford after signing for the club from Juventus last summer, but there is also the option to stay for another year.
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