Ten Hag ‘refusing to sell’ £27m star at Old Trafford

Manchester United have reiterated that Cristiano Ronaldo is “not for sale”, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The 37-year-old returned to the pitch for United’s final pre-season game against Real Valladolid on Sunday, but the £27m-rated forward’s Old Trafford future remains in doubt ahead of the new campaign.

What’s the latest news involving Ronaldo?

Following weeks of speculation over where he’ll be playing his football this season, Ronaldo was finally back in the famous red and white when he started for a youthful United side against their La Liga opponents.

Ronaldo had missed the clash with Atletico Madrid 24 hours earlier but was finally back on the grass in a bid to prove his fitness ahead of Brighton’s trip to the Theatre of Dreams this weekend.

His first appearance since early-May came just weeks after he expressed his desire to leave United following their failure to qualify for the Champions League last term.

Despite wanting to continue his near-two decade record of playing in Europe’s elite competition, Crook believes that United are adamant that Ronaldo isn’t for sale despite interest from across the continent.

What did Crook say about Ronaldo?

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t think their stance has change. They’ve been telling me all along, my sources there, that he’s not for sale, he’s part of their plans and they want to integrate him back into the squad.”

Could Ronaldo start against Brighton?

If Ronaldo remains a Manchester United player beyond September’s transfer deadline, fitness permitting, he’ll surely eventually establish himself as a regular starter in Erik ten Hag’s team.

Despite question marks over some of his performances last season, Ronaldo was still the club’s top goalscorer after finding the net 24 times.

Therefore, he’s someone the Dutchman will want in his team, especially following his general lack of options down the middle.

But with just 45 minutes of pre-season action under his belt, Ronaldo doesn’t appear in the best shape to be named in the starting XI for the Premier League opener on Sunday.

As a result, Anthony Martial, who’s been given a healthy amount of game-time across the various friendlies and has repaid Ten Hag’s faith with three goals, appears in line to be given a starting place, with Ronaldo set to fight for his own spot in the side for the time being.

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