Man Utd ‘still in the dark’ over Ronaldo return as they start to run out of patience

Joe Williams
Man Urd star Cristiano Ronaldo looks over his shoulder

Man Utd are becoming increasingly frustrated about the silence over when Cristiano Ronaldo will return to the club, according to reports.

The Red Devils star has missed their pre-season tour due to ‘family reasons’ with his absence coinciding with speculation that he wants to leave the club this summer.

Widespread reports have indicated that Ronaldo has asked the Man Utd hierarchy if they can accept any ‘satisfactory’ offers for him this summer.


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It is understood that Ronaldo was initially willing to stay, despite no Champions League football, but their early business has failed to convince him that they share the same ambition.

And now the Daily Mail claim that Man Utd ‘are still in the dark about when or if’ Ronaldo will return to the club this summer after the end of their pre-season tour.

The Red Devils’ ‘patience is being tested three weeks after the player was due to report for pre-season training’ with no date set for his return.

Man Utd ‘have accepted Ronaldo’s explanation and have been careful not to put any pressure on him’ despite the new season starting in just a couple of weeks.

The Daily Mail adds: ‘But there is a growing feeling at United that something will have to give over the next couple of weeks before they kick off the new season against Brighton. It is unlikely that the 37-year-old would be available for that game.’

Man Utd have relied on Anthony Martial for goals in pre-season with the forward returning in top form this summer and former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has been impressed.

Whelan told Football Insider: “He must have come back to Man United and shown a great attitude. It’s not just scoring goals and getting assists in the games, it’s that work ethic and willingness to listen and learn on the training pitch.

“It is very hard to let a player go when you know he can deliver like Martial can on the pitch. Well played to him. He’s worked hard and I’m sure he’ll get his rewards at the start of the season with Ronaldo not quite ready.”