Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘not expected’ to return to Manchester United training today, with his absence due to ‘family reasons’.
United will welcome back their international players for pre-season training on Monday, though Ronaldo will not be among the names joining Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff.
Sky Sports are reporting that the absence of the Portugal captain – who is understood to have expressed a desire to leave the Red Devils this summer – has been attributed to ‘family reasons’ with the club having accepted his explanation.
Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain with the 37-year-old having become frustrated with a lack of ambition in the transfer market, with the forward keen to challenge for major trophies in the latter period of his career.
Manchester United wanted this week to mark major recruitment and squad shape progress ahead of tour, yet it'll now be shadowed by the Cristiano show.
A distraction Erik ten Hag and the club don't need and can't let spiral. Decisiveness required.
Utd maintain he's not for sale.
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) July 4, 2022
United have failed to make a signing so far this summer as Premier League rivals strengthen, though the club are continuing to pursue deals for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia.
The coming campaign will also be the first time Ronaldo has not featured in the Champions League for almost two decades should he remain at Old Trafford, after the Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last season.
