Cristiano Ronaldo has not reported back for the first day of Manchester United pre-season training due to family issues rather than an attempt to force a move, Manchester United sources explained, with the Portuguese star unhappy at the club.
Ronaldo was due to return to training today along with his fellow teammates that had played international football over the summer, with that group having been given an extra week off due to their exertions for the national team. However, he did not report to Carrington training ground on Monday morning, amid speculation that he wants to leave the club.
However, spokespeople for the club have now explained why. As per their line, Ronaldo has missed the first day 'due to family reasons and the club has accepted this explanation'.
The Athletic claim that the speculation has left 'many at the club — including new manager Erik ten Hag and senior United officials... unsure as to whether the Portugal captain would turn up'.
They add that the club remain unsure as to whether he will report back at all this week, and if so, when, while going on tour with Erik ten Hag's side from Friday, July 8th is considered a requirement.
Why does Ronaldo want to leave?
Only Ronaldo himself will know the real reason that he wants to leave Old Trafford, but there are plenty of reasons why he could desire a change of scenery.
Manchester United find themselves without Champions League football, for what would be the first time in the striker's career in professional football. For a man chasing records, that could be a massive issue.
Beyond that, there are concerns that he is unhappy with the Red Devils' transfer window movement to date, with no signing having been made over a month into proceedings, though Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia is expected to join imminently.
It also remains to be seen what the club deem a 'fair' offer for the striker, while selling him to another club in the Premier League (Chelsea have been mentioned in talks) would seem suicidal.
Either way, it is a major problem for new boss Erik ten Hag just weeks into his managerial stint at Old Trafford.