‘He still wants to leave’: Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano gives Cristiano Ronaldo update amid Man Utd exit

Cristiano Ronaldo’s rumoured exit from Manchester United this summer could still be on the cards, despite Erik ten Hag insisting the forward is part of his plan.

The Portuguese international has not featured for the Red Devils in pre-season due to family reasons, missing their tour of Thailand and Australia, but is expected to join his team-mates at Carrington on Tuesday.

Anthony Martial has stepped up as United’s main striker in Ronaldo’s absence and has been in fine form for the club, scoring three goals in four pre-season games so far.

However, despite Ten Hag’s comments, Ronaldo is still looking to depart Old Trafford this summer, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking in his latest CaughtOffside column, the Italian journalist said: “As reported last night, Cristiano Ronaldo is returning to Manchester United. Not much has changed – he still wants to leave and his agent Jorge Mendes is still working to find a solution, but Erik ten Hag wants to keep him.

“For the moment I don’t think United even have an asking price in their minds with Ronaldo. They are just focused on planning with him because Erik ten Hag is really convinced that he would be fundamental to the project.

“As for Ronaldo, he would still like a new experience, but nobody in this affair makes it a question of money. Mendes has even made it clear to clubs that Ronaldo would accept a pay cut to join.

“Unfortunately, making predictions is difficult when not even Cristiano himself knows what will happen; I am sure of one thing, that Jorge Mendes will try to find a solution in the coming weeks, unless Ten Hag will change Cristiano’s mind.”

Ronaldo was arguably the Red Devils’ standout performer last season, finishing the campaign with 24 goals in all competitions.

He made a surprise return to United last summer after over a decade away, but things didn’t go to plan, with the club finishing sixth in the league with 58 points - their lowest in the competition’s history.

The 37-year-old, who has one year remaining on his contract with the Red Devils, will want to play in the Champions League next season. He is currently the competition’s top scorer with 141 goals.

If Ronaldo remains at Old Trafford after the summer transfer deadline on September 1, then it would not be a surprise to see him start on the bench for United’s Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion on 7 August.