Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes held meetings with United at Carrington on Tuesday, but his position remains unchanged and he wants to play for a club in the Champions League and win major trophies. However, United do not want to leave. The Portugal international, who has a year left on his United deal, was not included in the squad for their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia and was not included in the squad for Saturday’s 1-0 friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid in Oslo. He suggested on Instagram that he would appear in United’s final pre-season friendly against Rayo at Old Trafford, saying: “Sunday the King plays.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player After constant speculation over his future, Cristiano Ronaldo says he will be available against Rayo Vallecano this Sunday “He will be in the team tomorrow,” Ten Haag told Viaplay after his side’s defeat. “We’ll see how long he can play” “I can’t say at the moment (how fit he is). He’s not at the level of the rest of the team because he’s missed a lot of weeks. But he needs games and he needs training, a lot.” His possible choices elsewhere are limited. Chelsea are no longer an option, while Bayern Munich and Atletico have appeared to be publicly ruled out this week. Atletico fans displayed a banner reading “CR7 is not welcome” at a pre-season friendly on Wednesday. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player See how Manchester United faced Atletico Madrid in their final pre-season friendly
Has Ronaldo run out of options?
Sky Sports News senior reporter Melissa Reddy: “As we have seen on Instagram, Ronaldo is staying fit so there are no concerns from Manchester United about his fitness or physical level; he is one of the best players in world football. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Sky Sports News’ Darmes Seth has the latest on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future and a possible return to Sporting Lisbon “Ultimately, Ronaldo has stated his desire to leave Old Trafford, but he is running out of options and it looks like he will have to stay. Maybe he’ll try to change that where the 25 percent pay cut in his contract will do. United will quit United, maybe he wants to maneuver and move on a new deal, we’ll have to wait and see. But it doesn’t look like Stamford Bridge is in the cards. “Chelsea have distanced themselves from a deal for Ronaldo, as have Bayern Munich, Napoli and many other elite clubs that Jorge Mendes, who is Ronaldo’s agent, has tried to sell him to. “An offer from Saudi Arabia is astronomical, but ultimately, it doesn’t give Cristiano Ronaldo what he wants, which is that legacy. He wants to achieve a Champions League record that he believes no one else will be able to achieve in the future. “He wants to sign at the absolute highest level. Now, it looks more and more that he will have to stay at Manchester United because there are no bitter people from the big clubs.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Cristiano Ronaldo still wants to leave Manchester United after talks this week. His stance comes as Atletico Madrid fans unveil a banner in protest at the prospect of his signing
United not giving up on De Jong | Open to Bailly offers
United are not giving up on the signing of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and are comfortable with the wide-ranging deal he has with Barcelona – worth £72m including add-ons. The club will have their own deadline to complete a deal before triggering moves for other targets. Sky Sports News has been told that United are keeping alternatives “warm” should a deal for De Jong not materialize. United have also been interested in Ajax striker Anthony in this transfer window, but not at the price Ajax want. The club are open to offers for defenders Eric Bailly and Alex Telles. There has been interest from Fulham, Trabzonspor and from Serie A for Bailly. United would prefer a sale or at least a loan with an obligation to buy. Telles’ playing time will be further limited next season following the arrivals of Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez, but there are no concrete offers yet.
Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports
Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window closes at 11pm on September 1st? Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumors on our exclusive Transfer Center blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up on the information and analysis on Sky Sports News.
