Manchester United hand Cristiano Ronaldo warning after striker asked to leave | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United is in severe doubt after the 37-year-old shocked the world by asking to leave the club this summer.

The forward signed a two-year deal last summer but has now asked the club to consider his departure if a suitable offer is made for him between now and the end of the window.

Ronaldo’s request has not gone down well at the club, with the former Real Madrid star being the only senior out-and-out striker at the club following Edinson Cavani’s departure on a free transfer.

Furthermore, with just five days remaining before United leave for their summer tour of Asia, it has thrown a spanner in Ten Hag’s works.

Now, it’s being claimed that United have fired a stern warning Ronaldo’s way after the latest developments. That’s according to The Mirror, who say that the club have told Ronaldo that he must be on their tour next week despite asking to leave.

As per the report, a source close to Ronaldo has opened up on why the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is seeking to leave United after just one year back.

Read more: Manchester United yet to receive any offers for Cristiano Ronaldo

“Next season will be the first time he won’t play in the Champions League,” the source said. “He needs to play in the competition – it’s what drives him to produce his best, hence why he wants to move.”

Furthermore, it’s claimed that United have reiterated that Ronaldo is not for sale this summer, with the club expecting him to fulfill the second year of his contract.

It is, however, accepted that keeping Ronaldo against his will could affect the harmony at the club under Ten Hag, who is keen to implement his style and philosophy as quickly as possible.

SN’s verdict… United are right to play hardball over this unfortunate situation and it would be completely inappropriate if Ronaldo did anything else than play by the book at this point.

His desire to leave is clear but there has been no indication that he would go on strike or not turn up for training on Monday. He, and the rest of United’s international players, will report into Carrington tomorrow.

Ten Hag will be desperate to resolve this issue as soon as possible and provided there is no concrete update in the week, the new boss will inform supporters on developments in his press conference prior to leaving for Asia.