Cristiano Ronaldo remains unfazed by his Manchester United starting position despite catching up with Sir Alex Ferguson at Carrington on Tuesday. The 37-year-old striker returned to the club’s training base and linked up with the squad following their hugely successful pre-season tour in his absence.
However, the fact that he did not take part in Erik ten Hag’s training and arrived alongside Jorge Mendes indicates that he was not there to prepare for the new season at United. And emerging details have further emphasized that he was there to accelerate his attempts to leave.
According to The Star, United face a losing battle to persuade Ronaldo to stay, with the club’s iconic number seven determined to find an exit at Old Trafford before the summer transfer deadline. He informed club figures of his desire at the start of the window due to doubts about his ability to compete for major trophies.
That stance remains, despite recent transfer activity and after speaking briefly to Ferguson and Bryan Robson at United’s headquarters. Both had already been present at a board meeting with chief executive Richard Arnold and former club dog David Gill.
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But the report claims United chiefs hoped the legendary manager, who was instrumental in Ronaldo’s decision to rejoin Juventus last summer, could persuade him to honor the final 12 months of his two-year contract. Ferguson intervened amid Mendes’ talks with Manchester City over a stunning move, tempting the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to snub them for a return to Old Trafford.
But even the Scot has been unable to sway Ronaldo’s mind this time, with the ace from Hell determined to spend the final years of his illustrious career in the Champions League. United insist he is not for sale and will still be at the club beyond the deadline.
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