July 22, (THEWILL) – Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, once more declined to disclose when Cristiano Ronaldo will resume club training, but he noted that their Portuguese superstar would be “integrated” back into the group when that happens.
As THEWILL previously reported, Ronaldo was given permission to skip United’s preseason tours of Thailand and Australia due to what was described as a personal matter. Meanwhile, the future of the 37-year-old at Old Trafford has also come under scrutiny after it was learned that Ronaldo had requested the club’s board to accept any offers made for him this summer.
He is understandably dissatisfied with the club for, among other things, not playing UEFA Champions League football for next season and not being competitive enough in the transfer market even as stronger sides, like Manchester City and Liverpool, have very quickly strengthened their already tough squads.
Ronaldo’s stance has not changed; he wants to leave the team but will not ever refuse to play for United, yet, it remains unknown when he will reunite with the team. Before United’s upcoming preseason match against Aston Villa in Australia, Ten Hag, who has had a good preseason, was asked for an update.
He said: “No. It’s the same as last week. Of course, concerning is maybe not the right word (over his absence). I focus on the players who are there and they are doing really well. They are in good shape and I have to further focus on that and develop that. I cannot wait for him to come in and then we will integrate him.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
