Manchester United are reportedly not expected to fine Cristiano Ronaldo for his absence from pre-season training this week at Carrington. The Portuguese striker is reportedly keen to leave United before the new season begins and has fueled further speculation about his immediate future when he failed to check in with the rest of Erik ten Hag’s side as expected on Monday morning.
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Ronaldo was given special permission to delay his return to United for “family reasons” and is yet to inform club bosses when he will return to Manchester ahead of next season. However, the 37-year-old will escape the threat of a fine as United are not preparing to pursue disciplinary action over the reason for his authorized absence, according to The Times.
It is claimed that United still have no idea when Ronaldo will return to first-team training as they prepare to embark on their pre-season tour of Thailand later this week. Their plane is due to depart on Friday but it remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will join the rest of his United team-mates on the trip to Asia as things stand.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had reportedly originally expressed a desire to be part of Ten Hag’s rebuilding at Old Trafford but is now said to be eyeing a move from United in the coming weeks. He is reportedly frustrated at not being able to qualify for the Champions League at the end of last season, while the club’s lack of progress in the summer transfer window has also been a source of frustration for the striker.
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United are said to be determined to keep Ronaldo, who scored 24 goals in all competitions last season, until his contract expires in just under a year. His sudden departure would no doubt leave the Red Devils in need of a suitable replacement and it remains unclear who they would be targeting at this point, with Paulo Dybala and Robert Lewandowski recently mentioned as early alternatives.
However, Ronaldo was able to force a move from Juventus last summer using absentee tactics and could end up prevailing at United if they decide to soften their stance on his future in the days and weeks to come. Red Devils legend Gary Neville has already urged his former employers to urgently address Ronaldo’s situation to avoid creating an unwanted transfer saga before the start of next season.
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“The only important thing about the Ronaldo situation is that it is dealt with decisively and quickly,” tweeted Neville earlier this week. “This cannot be a saga that distracts attention from Erik ten Hag’s settling-in period for the next two months.”
A number of clubs have been credited with an interest in Ronaldo ahead of the new season, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich reportedly among the sides keeping tabs on procedures as they develop at Old Trafford. A potential move to Barcelona has also been touted as a surprise option in recent days, while a reunion with former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho at Roma could be another choice for Ronaldo if reports are to be believed.
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