Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that Cristiano Ronaldo will be 'integrated' back into the squad once he has returned to training.
The 37-year-old did not travel on the club's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia due to a personal issue, which has remained private, but there has also been ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
The Portugal international is believed to have told Man United that he wants to leave the club during this summer's transfer window in order to continue playing Champions League football next term.
The Red Devils will face Aston Villa in their final pre-season match in Australia on Saturday before returning to Europe for their final two friendlies of the summer against Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano.
Man United will then open their 2022-23 Premier League campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 7, and it is unclear when Ronaldo will be available for selection.
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Ten Hag, speaking ahead of Saturday's clash with Villa, has said that there is no change on the situation, with the club still unclear when the forward will return.
However, the Dutchman has suggested that Ronaldo will not be a guaranteed starter once he is back at the club, with the Portuguese instead set to be 'integrated'.
"No. It's the same as last week. Of course, concerning is maybe not the right word (over his absence). I focus on the players who are there and they are doing really well. They are in good shape and I have further focus on that and develop that. I cannot wait for him to come in and then we will integrate him," Ten Hag told reporters.
In early July, Ronaldo is believed to have told Man United that he is keen to leave this summer in search of pastures new, with the forward determined to continue challenging for major trophies at this stage of his career.
However, the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have all allegedly signalled that they are not interested in signing him this summer.
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Atletico Madrid continue to be heavily linked with the former Sporting Lisbon youngster, but it is unclear whether the Red and Whites would be able to afford him due to his substantial wage packet.
"We are planning for Cristiano Ronaldo for the season and that's it," Ten Hag told recently reporters. "I'm looking forward to working with him. I have read [that he wants to leave], but what I say is Cristiano is not for sale, he is in our plans and we want success together.
"I spoke with him before this issue came up, I had a conversation with him and I had a good talk. That is between Cristiano and me. What I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together."
Ronaldo scored 24 goals and registered three assists in 37 appearances for Man United last season, but the club will not be in the Champions League next term due to their sixth-place finish in the Premier League, while they also failed to win a trophy.
During his two spells at Man United, the Portuguese has scored 142 goals and registered 62 assists in 329 appearances, and he still has another 12 months left to run on his current deal, with the option of an additional year.
Matt Law
