Manchester United are reportedly not open to the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo despite the star reportedly asking the club to leave.
The 37-year-old returned to Old Trafford last summer, joining from Juventus for a deal rising to 23 million euros (£19.6m) but despite Ronaldo’s 24 goals in all competitions he was unable to prevent his first season back at United being a failure as the season ended trophyless and sixth in the Premier League.
The sixth place finish means United will play in the Europa League rather than the Champions League – a prospect the veteran is not enthused by having played at Europe’s top table throughout his career.
Ronaldo has reportedly asked to be allowed to leave if a satisfactory offer arrives, but a senior United source indicated to the PA news agency that the forward is not for sale.
The stance was the same last weekend when it emerged that agent Jorge Mendes had discussed his client in a meeting with new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly.
Ronaldo has one year remaining on the deal he signed last summer and new United boss Erik ten Hag has expressed his excitement at working with the record-breaking Portugal international.
United’s international players are due to report for training in the coming days ahead of flying to Thailand on Friday for the start of their pre-season tour.