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As per Spanish outlet AS, Cristiano Ronaldo is returning to Manchester United this week to inform the club's hierarchy of his decision to leave.
The Portuguese forward returned to Manchester on Monday, July 25. He didn't take part in the club's pre-season tours in Thailand and Australia, citing personal reasons. The 37-year-old's future at Old Trafford is in doubt, and as per AS, he's now set to leave.
Ronaldo returned to United last season from Juventus after 12 years away from the club. He was the Red Devils' highest goalscorer last season with 24 goals in 38 games across competitions. However, United endured a trophyless campaign, finishing sixth to miss out on the UEFA Champions League. They also recorded their worst points tally (58) in a Premier League season.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner spoke to new manager Erik ten Hag a few weeks ago but wasn't convinced by the project at the club. While the Dutch manager has repeatedly stressed that Ronaldo isn't for sale, it seems the Portuguese isn't intent on staying.
Ronaldo has been linked with several clubs this summer, including Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Napoli, AS Roma and even a Saudi Arabian side. However, only Atletico and Bayern seem like realistic options.
The Bavarians need to replace striker Robert Lewandowski, who joined Barcelona, while Atletico are looking to replace Luis Suarez, who left on a free transfer. Coincidentally, United are set to play against Atletico in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 30, in Norway.
Manchester United have done well in pre-season without Cristiano Ronaldo
While Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest goalscorers of all time, Manchester United coped well in his absence in the recently concluded pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.
They've won three of their four pre-season games, including a 4-0 win over arch rivals Liverpool. Manchester United also beat Melbourne Victory 4-1 and Crystal Palace 3-1 before playing a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.
Ten Hag's side have scored 13 goals in four friendlies, with Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho scoring three apiece and Marcus Rashford two. To put that into context, the trio scored only 11 goals between them across competitions for United for the entirety of last season.
While they've done well, Ten Hag will hope to have Ronaldo back for the new season. With Edinson Cavani's departure and Mason Greenwood's unavailability, Manchester United can ill afford to let the Portuguese leave. The Red Devils will begin their new Premier League campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 7.
