Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Cristiano Ronaldo absence continues, with Man Utd forward missing Thailand trip for family issue

Man Utd striker Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be travelling for Manchester United’s pre-season camp in Thailand for family reasons, according to reports.

There is currently a sharp focus on Ronaldo’s future as he reaches the halfway stage of the two-year contract he signed upon returning to Manchester United last summer. There are contrasting opinions over whether his impact has been positive or not.

On one hand, he was the club’s top scorer in the 2021-22 campaign with 24 goals. On the other hand, their league position worsened compared to the season prior to his arrival.

Manchester United could only finish sixth by the end of the season, so will be in the Europa League next term. It is a competition that the Champions League legend has never played in.

Therefore, reports recently revealed that he has asked the club to consider letting him leave if they receive an appropriate offer. There are only a few suitors who would be capable of paying for his transfer and wages.

Bayern Munich have played down links between them and Ronaldo. However, there are continuing murmurs about the sensational prospect of a transfer across the Premier League to Chelsea.

Whatever happens, Ronaldo is still under contract with Man Utd for now. But it is emerging – via sources such as the Telegraph, Sky Sports and the PA news agency – that he will not be among the travelling party for their pre-season camp in Thailand, for which they will set off on Friday.

Ronaldo has not been at Carrington for the return of United’s international players to training since Monday. He is absent because of a family matter, which he will continue to deal with instead of jetting out to Asia with his teammates.

Cristiano Ronaldo return date unclear

As a result, he more than likely will not be able to take part in Erik ten Hag’s first pre-season friendly in charge of United, against Liverpool on July 12th. There is currently no timeframe on when he will return to the fold.

Is Chelsea a good fit for Cristiano Ronaldo?

Is Chelsea a good fit for Cristiano Ronaldo?

Cristiano Ronaldo is being linked with a move to Chelsea as he is looking for Manchester United exit.

United also have friendlies against Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in Australia on the horizon. Their pre-season schedule also includes a clash with Atletico Madrid in Norway and Rayo Vallecano back at Old Trafford.

According to PA, Man Utd are insisting Ronaldo is not for sale this summer despite reports to the contrary elsewhere.

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