Man United Unwilling to Succumb to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Demands, Determined to Keep Striker at Old Trafford

• Manchester United insists they would battle to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at the club despite the striker’s plea for him to be sold this summer
• Ronaldo would also prefer to play in the Champions League for the remainder of his career but is not persuaded Man United are in a position to contend for major titles
• Ronaldo is the only member of the entire Red Devils squad yet to report back for pre-season training at Carrington

Manchester United are ready to play hardball with Cristiano Ronaldo as they are unwilling to let the striker leave the club this summer despite his request for him to be sold.

The 37-year-old forward wants to keep playing in the UEFA Champions League and believes Manchester United is not in a strong position to contend for trophies every season.

The Red Devils however plan to keep Ronaldo beyond this summer and will arrange a meeting between him and Erik for Ten Hag to hold a conversation about future plans 90MIN reports.

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The Portugal forward and Erik ten Hag are yet to meet face-to-face since the Dutchman was named as the permanent manager of Manchester United.

Ronaldo still has one year left on his present Manchester United contract but he could leave the Red Devils if a suitable offer comes as Chelsea and Bayern Munich are said to be interested in his signature.

Ronaldo set to snub Man Utd’s pre-season tour

Meanwhile, Manchester United could be set to kickstart their pre-season tour without Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portuguese striker is yet to resume with the team.

The Red Devils are set to jet out on Friday, July 8th for their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia but the club remains unsure when Ronaldo will resume with the rest of the squad Daily Post reports.

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Ronaldo was due to report to Man United training base with the rest of his teammates on Monday, July 4th but the forward has sighted family issues as the reason for staying back in Porugal.

Barcelona considers surprise move for Cristiano Ronaldo

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Barcelona are pondering making a move to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United this summer after the 37-year-old asked for a move away from Old Trafford.

The Portuguese forward wants to play at the highest level for the remainder of his career, especially after Man United's failure to qualify for the Champions League last year.

Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo's agent, had a meeting with Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, on Monday, July 4 to talk about the 37-year-old possibly leaving England and joining the Catalan giants.