EPL: Cristiano Ronaldo ‘travelling back to Manchester for showdown talks’

Cristiano Ronaldo is set for crunch talks with Manchester United and new manager Erik ten Hag over his future.

Ronaldo was expected back in Manchester on Monday night and could meet Ten Hag as early as Tuesday when the rest of the squad return to training following the club’s tour of Thailand and Australia.

Cristiano Ronaldo is on his way back to Manchester today for talks with Manchester United

The 37-year-old Portugal star has missed the first three weeks of pre-season after being given compassionate leave for a family issue, having told United he wants to leave Old Trafford this summer.

Ronaldo was granted time off this summer to spend time with his family and missed the club’s 17-day pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia

Ten Hag talked to Ronaldo when he took over at the end of last season, but it will be the first time the two men have spoken since the player asked to go.

As a manager who famously likes to spend as much time preparing his squad’s tactical approach as much as possible, Ronaldo’s pre-season absence will have proven a concern

Contact between the two camps has been maintained by United chief executive Richard Arnold and Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes who has been hawking his client around Europe’s top clubs.

Ronaldo’s return is being seen as a positive sign, although it’s still unclear whether he is ready to commit to United for another season or re-iterate his desire to be sold.

United were still adamant on Monday night that Ronaldo is not for sale and remains part of Ten Hag’s plans for the new season.

The five-time Balon d’Or winner has been keeping himself fit in Lisbon wants to leave United in order to play Champions League football, but he may not be ready to go straight back into full training with the rest of the squad who had Monday off after flying back from Perth on Sunday.

Ronaldo hinted he could be staying after training at the gym in club shorts

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Dutch manager Erik ten Hag has remained consistently tight-lipped when facing questions on the club legend’s future, and has suggested Ronaldo will remain a United player at least another season.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has 12 months remaining on the deal he signed last season after his arrival from Juventus, but there is an option for a further year.

Sky Sports News understands United are not looking for a replacement and their stance is unchanged – that Ronaldo is not for sale.