Manchester United fans claim legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson is stepping in to help keep Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford, as he arrived at Carrington ahead of showdown talks between the superstar and new boss Erik ten Hag.
The superstar striker’s agent Jorge Mendes arrived with him at around 10am on Tuesday morning, an hour before United’s players arrived for training.
Also at Carrington is Sir Alex Ferguson, who first signed Ronaldo for United when he was 18 in 2003.
Ferguson was there for an already scheduled football board meeting, with the likes of David Gill and Richard Arnold, and while Sportsmail understands the meeting was not specifically about Ronaldo’s future, it is very possible that could have talked about this topic.
The location and time of the meeting is unusual, so it may have been adjusted to tie in with the arrival of Ronaldo and Mendes.
Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson arrived at Carrington ahead of the showdown talks
Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Carrington with his agent Jorge Mendes ahead of the talks
The 37-year-old striker has missed the first three weeks of the club’s pre-season, including their entire tour of Thailand and Australia, after being granted compassionate leave due to a family issue.
It was against a backdrop of Ronaldo asking to leave United this summer as he feels he cannot compete for the biggest trophies at Old Trafford.
He played at Old Trafford for six seasons under Ferguson before leaving for Real Madrid, but still regards the legendary manager as an important mentor.
The Scot was instrumental in Ronaldo’s return to the Red Devils last summer, persuading the striker not to join rivals Manchester City, so United will be hoping he can make a similar impact again.
Red Devils fans took to social media to question why legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson has to attend Carrington as the club are reportedly holding talks with superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo .
Most fans pushing for his arrival undermine new boss Erik ten Hag and his decision-making over his squad at United.
One fan said: “You know it’s going to be serious talk when Sir Alex, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Mendes have been pictured arriving at Carrington. Decision time.
Ronaldo has missed the club’s entire pre-season so far after being granted compassionate leave
Manchester United fans believe today is the time to decide on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future
Red Devils fans took to social media to question why Sir Alex Ferguson has to attend
Another posted: “Sir Alex, Richard Arnold, John Murtough, Bryan Robson etc, it doesn’t matter who is in the meeting. The most important thing is that Erik ten Hag should NOT be undermined.
“They should represent what the manager wants for his team, not what they want for Man Utd.
A third added: “Seriously Sir Alex Ferguson needs to be there…
Fans also posted to insist Sir Alex Ferguson should leave his former club Man United alone
A United fan page believes Sir Alex should relax rather than get involved with the club
A fourth insisted: “Sir Alex Ferguson should find a place and sit down and leave Manchester United alone.” Unnecessary interference.
Another added: “I love you Sir Alex I really do but just go and enjoy a hot tub or something, glass of red, watch an episode of The Office, go and relax. Don’t get involved .’
Other fans have praised Sir Alex Ferguson arriving at United’s training ground to potentially help hold talks with their former star striker.
Other fans have praised Sir Alex Ferguson’s arrival at United’s training ground
One fan tweeted: “So basically Sir Alex Ferguson and Bryan Robson form the United Avengers to persuade Ronaldo to stay.
Another said: “Sir Alex Ferguson at Carrington to convince Cristiano Ronaldo to stay.”
One fan, however, simply said the Scot could be attending Carrington to learn about the new signings.
He tweeted: “Nothing to do with him going to meet the new players that have arrived this summer. Which I think he does every year.
Another added: “It’s pretty clear how important it is to keep Ronaldo at United. Look Sir Alex Ferguson, Bryan Robson, Richard Arnold are at Carrington today to talk Ronaldo into not leaving this summer.
“I think United are desperate to keep him.”
One fan simply said the Scot could be attending Carrington to meet the new signings
Another supporter believes it shows the importance United feel in keeping Ronaldo
The Red Devils have signed three players so far this summer, despite a late start to their business in the market.
They have completed deals for Christian Eriksen, who joined on a free after his short-term contract expired at Brentford, after luring Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and signing versatile centre-back Lisandro Martinez for £55m from Ajax.
It has also been confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson will attend a scheduled football board meeting with David Gill and Richard Arnold.