Cristiano Ronaldo will not travel with the Manchester United squad for their pre-season tour to Thailand after being given time off to deal with a family issue.
The 37-year-old Portuguese striker's future at Old Trafford has been the subject of intense speculation after he reportedly told the club of his desire to leave if a suitable offer is made.
United's tour gets underway against Liverpool in Bangkok on July 12 before games against Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace in Australia. They also face Aston Villa in Perth on July 23.
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Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on September 11, 2021. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring his second goal for Juventus during the Serie A match at Parma on December 19, 2020. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal for Manchester United in their Champions League match at Atalanta on November 2, 2021. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring for Juventus in their Champions League match at home to Atletico Madrid on March 12, 2019. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring for Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first-leg against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on May 2, 2017. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid in a La Liga game at home to Real Sociedad on February 10, 2018. AFP -
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on September 11, 2021. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammate Isco after scoring for Real Madrid in a La Liga game at Espanyol on September 12, 2015. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his 100th goal for Portugal during the Uefa Nations League match against Sweden in Solna on September 8, 2020. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first-leg match at Juventus on May 5, 2015. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with Sergio Ramos after scoring for Real Madrid during the Champions League semi-final second-leg at home to Juventus on May 13, 2015. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring for Portugal during the Euro 2012 match against the Netherlands at the Metalist stadium in Kharkiv on June 17, 2012. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid in the Champions League final against Juventus in Cardiff on June 3, 2017. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid during a La Liga match at home to Villarreal on January 9, 2011. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid in a La Liga match at home to Malaga on May 8, 2013. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with Wayne Rooney after scoring for Manchester United against Inter Milan during their Champions League match at Old Trafford on March 11, 2009. AFP -
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the Champions League game at FC Zurich on September 15, 2009. AFP -
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring against Bolton Wanderers during the Premier League match at Old Trafford on March 19, 2008. AFP -
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring in the Premier League match against Arsenal on December 2, 2021. EPA -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring for Manchester United away to Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on January 5, 2008. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring for Portugal in the Euro 2004 semi-final against the Netherlands in Lisbon on June 30, 2004. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring for Manchester United against Portsmouth during the Premier League match at Old Trafford on November 1, 2003. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring for Juventus against Genoa in Serie A. EPA -
Cristiano Ronaldo scores for Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final against Juventus on April 4, 2018. EPA -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring for Juventus during the Serie A match against Sassuolo at Allianz Stadium on September 16, 2018. Getty -
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a last-minute penalty against Juventus for Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on April 11, 2018. EPA
It is unclear when Ronaldo will rejoin the squad. While he will not board the flight to Bangkok, United insist Ronaldo will be part of the squad this season.
Having repeatedly said in recent weeks that he is not for sale, the club maintain that stance remains unchanged amid reports they are in fact willing to sell the Portugal international.
Premier League rivals Chelsea are reportedly interested in acquiring the former Real Madrid and Juvenus forward.
Fan favourite Ronaldo only returned to Old Trafford last summer, joining from Juventus for a fee rising to €23 million.
Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions and was named Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, but individual quality was unable to prevent his first season back at United ending trophyless and with a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League.
Europa League football awaits as new manager Erik ten Hag starts his rebuild.
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New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag leads a first team session at Carrington training ground. All pictures Getty Images -
Bruno Fernandes alongside Victor Lindelof at Carrington training ground in Manchester -
Manchester United's Harry Maguire prepares for the new season. -
Anthony Elanga at Carrington training ground. -
Donny van de Beek working out at Carrington. -
Raphael Varane of Manchester United arrives ahead of a first team training session. -
Aaron Wan-Bissaka of Manchester United in action during a first team training session. -
Coach Steve McClaren, manager Erik ten Hag, and coach Mitchell van der Gaag at Carrington. -
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington. -
Coach Steve McClaren, Axel Tuanzebe and Bruno Fernandes.
Ten Hag so far only has one new face to call upon after United completed the signing of Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia, meaning there are still key areas of the squad that need strengthening.
The club’s well-documented pursuit of Frenkie de Jong continues and is understood to have been complicated by Barcelona owing the Netherlands international wages.
Christian Eriksen has agreed to join United in principle, with a three-year contract being drawn up, and the Old Trafford giants have a firm interest in Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.
Discussions have been held about Ajax winger Antony, while Brazilian compatriot Andreas Pereira is heading for an Old Trafford exit.
Fulham have seen their offer of an initial £8 million and a further £2m in potential add-ons for the 26-year-old midfielder accepted by United.
Christian Eriksen set for United switch
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Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, right, celebrates his team's 2-0 Nations League - League A Group 1 win over Austria at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on June 13, 2022. AFP -
Denmark's Christian Eriksen shoots at goal against Austria. Reuters -
Denmark's Christian Eriksen and Croatia's Marcelo Brozovic in action during the Nations League match in Copenhagen, Denmark, 10 June 2022. EPA -
Denmark's Christian Eriksen in action against Croatia. EPA -
Denmark's Christian Eriksen attends a training session. AP -
Denmark's Christian Eriksen high fives Victor Nelsson after the Nations League match against Austria at Ernst Happel Stadium, Vienna on June 6, 2022. EPA -
Denmark's Christian Eriksen, right, passes the ball during the Nations League match against Austria. AP Photo -
Denmark's Christian Eriksen reacts while the kick off is delayed due to a power cut prior to the Nations League match against Austria. EPA -
Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen heads the ball during a training session. AFP -
France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris saves a shot by Denmark's Christian Eriksen during the Nations League - League A Group 1 match at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on June 3, 2022. AFP -
France's Benjamin Pavard, left, and Denmark's Christian Eriksen in action. AP Photo -
Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen speaks during a press conference at the Stade de France. AFP -
Christian Eriksen of Brentford walks round the pitch after the Premier League match against Leeds United at Brentford Community Stadium on May 22, 2022 in Brentford, England. Getty Images -
Brentford's Christian Eriksen poses with fans in the stands. PA -
Brentford's Christian Eriksen applauds the fans during a lap on honour, with partner Sabrina Kvist Jensen and their daughter. AP -
Christian Eriksen of Brentford. Getty Images -
Leeds United's Sam Greenwood and Brentford's Christian Eriksen battle for the ball. PA -
Brentford's Christian Eriksen, who's comeback was undoubtedly the biggest feel-good moment of the season. PA -
Christian Eriksen completed his emotional return to football with his Brentford debut in late February. PA -
Brentford's Christian Eriksen. Reuters
