It’s now only one day until Manchester United fly out for their pre-season tour, and still it is unclear whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo will play any part of it.
The 37-year-old remains absent from United training due to ‘family issues’, an explanation that was accepted by the club. He missed their double session on Thursday, the third day of training this week.
Ronaldo ’s absence has to be taken at face value given the sensitivity of the topic, but soon there will come a time when more clarity is needed on his situation and, if possible, a rough update on when United might expect to see him back in club colours.
READ MORE: Ronaldo absent from training as Ten Hag orders double session
United remain adamant that their star striker is not for sale despite his desire to leave this summer, with the Portuguese disillusioned by the direction of the club following a terrible trophyless season.
The Manchester Evening News revealed earlier this week that United's inactivity in the transfer market and a salary reduction are among the other issues that have convinced Ronaldo to try and seek a move away from the club.
Erik ten Hag is looking to lay down the law at United this summer, and a key component of his philosophy is having squad unity, with every player equally focused on helping the club to achieve their lofty end goals.
It is this desire that further complicates the Ronaldo situation, and there is a sizeable risk of keeping any wantaway player against their wishes, especially one that commands as much dressing room authority as the Portugal international.
United might have the power in regards to the fact that Ronaldo is still contracted for another year, with an option for a potential third, but his superstar status often dwarves that of his employers, something that could become evident this summer.
From a football point of view, it is a simple, straightforward decision to part with anyone who openly wants to leave, but there is an extra complication when that player is someone as colossal as Cristiano.
It is understood United’s upcoming kit launches will predominantly feature their superstar striker, while much of their pre-season tour marketing will also be adorned by the most recent Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year.
Last summer, online retailer Fanatics revealed that Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt sold more in a single day than any other player’s ever had, across any sport, beating Lionel Messi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain, LeBron James to the Los Angeles Lakers, and Tom Brady to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ronaldo was also responsible for the fastest-selling shirt in the history of the Premier League, and with United's new kit set to be announced this week, having him on board for another season will be crucial to further sales records being set.
As hollow as it might sound, Ronaldo is a huge part of 'brand United' and his continued presence would be a huge commercial gain heading into a season in which revenues will be damaged by a lack of Champions League football.
The next important step should be for Ronaldo and Ten Hag to have an open and honest discussion about the future of both the club and the star striker, and only then should a conclusion be reached.
If United really want to prove they have changed, then Ten Hag’s desire should be taken more seriously than Ronaldo’s this summer, and whatever the manager wants should be granted by the club.
Whether that happens or not is a completely different case, and it is difficult to see how United will ever truly be able to offer their star striker what he really wants this summer.
A conclusion is not straightforward and for United, it might well come down to football matters versus business ones. Whichever one wins will tell you everything you need to know about where the club is really at.
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