Wantaway Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived at Carrington ground ahead of what could be his first appearance since he informed the club he wishes to leave in the summer.
Ronaldo was spotted driving into the training ground on Friday alongside other members of the United squad ahead of their flight to Oslo for the pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
The 37-year-old Portuguese is not expected to travel to the Norwegian capital but could feature in United’s friendly with Rayo Vallecano, their last of pre-season, at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ronaldo, who stunned the club when he told them he wanted to leave to join a team playing in the Champions League, is set to remain in England to work on his fitness instead of heading to Oslo.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been spotted arriving at Manchester United’s training ground
His arrival confirms he is back in training with the club after missing the entirety of the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia to deal with a family issue.
New United boss is thought to have two groups in training – one which he considers match fit and another who remain off the pace. Ronaldo is likely in the second group as he only returned to Carrington this week.
Others seen arriving at the training complex include new signings Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen, who drove in together.
Ronaldo’s appearance at the training ground comes after he spoke publicly about his uncertain future for the first time.
In a cryptic post in response to a fan account on Instagram, Ronaldo hit out at the ‘lies’ in the media amid intense speculation over his next destination.
‘Impossible not to talk about me one day,’ Ronaldo wrote. ‘Otherwise the press makes no money. You know that if you don’t lie you can’t get people’s attention. Keep going that one day you get some news right.’
The Portuguese star ended the post with a crying face emoji and a laughing emoji.
Sportsmail understands Ronaldo was referencing a claim in the post from the fan account that Sir Alex Ferguson had intervened in a desperate attempt to persuade the player to remain at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo and Ferguson enjoy a close relationship – the 37-year-old has referred to the legendary manager as a father – and the pair spoke to exchange pleasantries when they were both at Carrington.
Ferguson had been at the training ground for a previously scheduled board meeting but the presence of the 80-year-old Scot sparked suggestions he was involved with the Ronaldo situation.
Ronaldo breaking his silence follows reports that agent Jorge Mendes is working on a sensational return to Sporting Lisbon for the player. Mendes is actively known to be seeking a Champions League club for his client, who has signalled his intent to
The Portuguese forward and Ferguson enjoy a close relationship – the 37-year-old has referred to the legendary manager as a father – and the pair spoke to exchange pleasantries when they were both at Carrington.
Ferguson had been at the training ground for a previously scheduled board meeting but the presence of the 80-year-old Scot sparked suggestions he was involved with the Ronaldo situation.
Bayern have admitted they discussed bringing the player to the Bundesliga, while Atletico had been linked with a move despite the club’s president Enrique Cerezo calling a deal ‘practically impossible’. Atletico’s ultras also protested against any bid for the United forward.
According to The Athletic, talks have been held with Sporting Lisbon, the club Ronaldo left to join United in 2003.
Sporting would tick a number of boxes as they are in the Champions League having finished second in the Primieira Liga.
The Athletic reports, however, that Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim has reservations about signing Ronaldo. It is also unclear whether the Portuguese side could afford his £360,000-a-week salary.
Mendes has also reportedly informed the club that Ronaldo, who is under contract at United until June 2023, has a ‘live offer’ and that a transfer fee must be named for his star.
Ronaldo and Mendes held showdown talks with United’s hierarchy this week, where he reiterated his desire to leave Old Trafford for a second time.
The club had hoped to win over Ronaldo but the talks failed to change his mind – although he will carry on in a professional manner – including potentially appearing in the Rayo Vallecano friendly.
Should he feature against the Spanish outfit, where United are expected to field a second-string team, it would be the first time he has played under Ten Hag after missing the pre-season tour.
United have steadfastly insisted that they have no intention of selling Ronaldo, who only returned to Carrington on Tuesday, and have not received any enquires for their star man.
Ronaldo underwent medical tests and then trained on Wednesday before watching his team-mates in a behind-closed-doors friendly match against Wrexham.
He has been working hard in the gym having been excused from the tour and, as a result, Ronaldo has not been immersed in Ten Hag’s methods ahead of the new season and will have to be reintegrated gradually.
The Dutchman spoke with Ronaldo for the first time this week. Ten Hag has stressed the importance of the Portuguese to his team despite his wish to head out of the exit door at Old Trafford.
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