Manchester United talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to report at training today.
This comes after it was heavily reported on Saturday, July 3, 2022 that the 37-year-old striker has asked the club to allow him to leave this summer.
About 15 senior Man United players were due to report today at the AON Carrington training as they join their teammates ahead of their pre-season tour under new manager Erik ten Hag.
The likes Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Fred, Cristiano Ronaldo, others are reporting today, but Ronaldo has asked the team to excuse him.
According to reports, the five times Ballon D’or winner won’t join his teammates today “due to family reasons.”
Cristiano Ronaldo who returned to Old Traford last summer from Juventus had a good season netting 18 goals for the Red Devils in the EPL, however, Man United inconsistent and shambolic performance saw them finish 6th in the league, missing out in the Champions League spot and dropping to the Europa League instead.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo agent Mendes will esplore options but there’s still no full agreement with any club.
Reports has that Ronaldo is not happy with Man United lack of signing in the transfer market and ambition for next season. And at the latter stage of his football career, he would want to join a team competing for trophies not a team trying to rebuild itself again.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are adamant on selling him, insisting he stays for another season under new manager Erik ten Hag. However, reports claim that United are also exploring a backup striker if Ronaldo eventually leaves.
Chelsea and Bayern Munich are said to be interested in the Portuguese star, with the German club leading the race.