The Red Devils were in Norway for a pre-season game against Atletico on Saturday – a 1-0 defeat – but the 37-year-old stayed back in England and will feature in a second string game at Old Trafford. Getty Ronaldo is training with his teammates United play Rayo Vallecano and that will mean Ronaldo will get some much needed minutes. The Portuguese superstar has promised on Instagram that he will be back and United have confirmed he will be in the squad and could make his first appearance in pre-season. Responding to an Instagram post commenting on his omission from United’s squad in Norway, he replied: “Domingo o rei joga” or “Sunday, the king plays”. After United’s defeat to Atletico, manager Erik ten Hag said of Ronaldo: “He will be in the team tomorrow. We’ll see how long he can play.” If he does feature, it will be Ronaldo’s first game for United since the 4-0 defeat at Brighton on May 7. It is understood Ronaldo remains determined to leave United this summer, but plans to remain professional while negotiations take place. Getty Ronaldo still insists he wants to leave Manchester United
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He was seen driving to training on Friday after holding face-to-face talks with club officials on Tuesday.
The forward is believed to be working on his fitness while his team-mates travel to Norway, having missed the pre-season tour of Asia and Australia due to a family issue.
Ronaldo’s appearance comes after he broke his silence on reports surrounding his transfer request.
Responding to a fan account on Instagram, the forward said: “Impossible not to talk about myself one day. Otherwise the press doesn’t make money. You know that if you don’t lie you can’t get people’s attention. Carry on so that one day you will have correct news.’
He also responded to Atletico Madrid fans, who protested rumors that the club could sign their arch-rival, posting a series of laughing emojis under pictures of supporters’ banners.
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Ronaldo laughed off Atletico’s protests
Reports claim Ronaldo has informed United of a bid after it emerged his agent Jorge Mendes was in talks with boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.
Ronaldo wants to play in the Champions League next season to cement his personal best – and Sporting have qualified for the competition.
However, it is unclear whether the club would be able to meet Ronaldo’s £360,000-a-week wage demands.
Last season he scored 18 Premier League goals in his first season back in England.
He looked like he was heading to Manchester City until a last-minute move from United saw him return to the club he left in 2009.
