Cristiano Ronaldo given permission to miss pre-season tour and what it means for Man United’s stance on sale
An update on the future of wantaway Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has been provided late on Thursday evening.
The news which Manchester United supporters across the globe were no doubt dreading was of course forthcoming over the weekend.
This came in the form of confirmation that star attacker Ronaldo had informed the powers that be at Old Trafford of his desire to depart, should a suitable offer for his services be tabled.
The 37-year-old is understood to be keen to avoid a season plying his trade outside of the Champions League so late in his illustrious career, having been left understandably underwhelmed by developments on the red half of Manchester since his return 12 months ago.
Where, though, do Manchester United themselves stand on the matter?
Well, as alluded to above, an insight into as much has been provided late on Thursday.
The info comes courtesy of the reliable James Ducker of The Telegraph, who has confirmed that Ronaldo has not been called to take his place on the Red Devils’ upcoming pre-season tour.
Erik ten Hag’s squad are set to fly out to Bangkok on Friday, as preparations for the new season move up a notch.
United’s main man, though, will not be present, having been afforded additional time off to deal with what is described as an ongoing ‘family issue’.
Significantly, though, Ronaldo’s prolonged leave of absence does not appear to be directly linked to his future, at least in the eyes of the powers that be at Old Trafford.
This comes with the line continuing to be pushed that, despite his exit plea, Manchester United have no intention of sanctioning the sale of their talismanic attacker over the weeks and months ahead.
