Cristiano Ronaldo is returning to England for talks with Manchester United over his future, The Athletic has learned.
Ronaldo is still out of action under new manager Erik ten Hag as he missed United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, citing family reasons.
The 37-year-old is expected in Manchester on Monday and will hold talks with United, having informed them of his desire to leave this summer should a suitable offer arrive.
United’s stance remains that Ronaldo is not for sale and he will be an important part of their squad in the 2022-23 campaign.
It is unclear at this stage whether he will train with United on Tuesday, but he is expected to hold face-to-face talks with Ten Hag in the coming days.
His return is believed to be viewed by the Old Trafford club as a positive sign.
Sources on the matter suggest that it is increasingly likely that Ronaldo will stay at United, but there is still a lack of clarity on the situation.
United’s players were rested on Monday after returning from Australia but will return to training on Tuesday ahead of their final two pre-season games.
Athletic reported earlier this month that Ronaldo had told United he would like to leave if a suitable offer was made.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boilley has met with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes to discuss the situation and the idea of the striker moving to Stamford Bridge. The west London side have since ruled out the possibility of Ronaldo.
Ten Hag was asked several times if he could provide an update on Ronaldo’s future during United’s pre-season tour, but he stressed that the situation had not changed and that he was not for sale.
Ronaldo has 12 months remaining on the contract he signed when he joined United from Juventus last summer. There is also an option for another year, which Ten Hag believes can be exercised.
The Ten Hag, speaking in Melbourne on July 18, said: “I am well informed, he also has an option (for another year).
“Yes (he can stay beyond this season) but to be honest, of course I signed here for three years, but in football that’s short-term too. We have to win from the start. So I’m not looking that far ahead.
“I have a strategy, it’s a process, it takes time, but at the end of the day we have to make sure there’s a winning team from the start.”
Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions last season, finishing as United’s top scorer, but failed to help them qualify for the Champions League.
A lack of Champions League football this coming season and a determination to challenge for trophies are believed to be part of the reasons behind his desire to leave.
The striker wants United to be competitive at the highest level and is said to want 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 a move to Old Trafford from Ajax.
The Ten Hag side open the new Premier League season at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on August 7.
(Photo: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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