Manchester United are set to ask Cristiano Ronaldo for clarification this week on when he can start training with Erik ten Hag’s squad as time is running out for the new manager to fit the striker into his plans for the start of the new season.
Two weeks before Brighton’s visit to Old Trafford on August 7 for the season opener, the 37-year-old, who wants to leave the club, has yet to work under Ten Hag. A family issue prevented Ronaldo from starting training ahead of United’s fortnightly summer tour of Thailand and Australia, causing him to miss the trip.
Ten Hag would like to include Ronaldo in his plans as soon as possible. But with Monday being a rest day after the side flew home on a 20-hour flight via Bangkok immediately after their last tour game – a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa in Perth – the manager has little time to revisit the prepare strikers for the season .
United fly to Oslo on Saturday to face Atlético Madrid before Ten Hag oversee their first home game and final friendly of pre-season against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
United respected Ronaldo’s need to be at home and the manager said on Friday he still hadn’t had any communication with the Portuguese during his absence. But Ronaldo is now being asked when he feels ready to start training. Even if that were to be as early as Tuesday, Ten Hag has hinted he may not be able to play Ronaldo against Brighton due to his lack of preparation.
Having missed all of United’s preparation so far, Ronaldo is four weeks behind those who returned to training for the first time late last month. After Brighton, United travel to Brentford the following weekend before joining Liverpool on August 23.
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