Sir Alex Ferguson was at Manchester United’s training complex on Tuesday morning, the day Erik ten Hag was scheduled to meet with Cristiano Ronaldo about his future at the club.
At around 11 a.m., an hour after Ronaldo arrived at the club’s Carrington compound accompanied by his agent Jorge Mendes, the venerable ex-United manager was seen driving into the property.
Bryan Robson, a fellow United legend who was instrumental in getting Ronaldo back to the club a year ago, immediately followed Ferguson into the training facility.
Richard Arnold, the chief executive, also visited Carrington later in the morning. Ten Hag arrived shortly after Ronaldo. Other United players started showing up at 11 am, as the club anticipates having all of them in by 11:30 am.
Ronaldo, 37, blamed a family matter for his absence from the team’s recent preseason tour in Thailand and Australia. He also missed four friendlies in Bangkok, Melbourne, and Perth.
Prior to Ronaldo’s anticipated return earlier this month, it became clear that he wanted to leave United because of their lack of activity in the transfer market and inability to make the Champions League, which resulted in a 25% pay cut.
Ronaldo is not up for sale this summer, as United has repeatedly stated. According to reports, he still has a significant role to play as he enters the last year of his contract with the club.
When Ronaldo was about to sign with Man City, Ferguson revealed to Viaplay last year how active he was in the negotiations to get Ronaldo back to the club. “Many people played their parts, and I participated knowing that Cristiano truly wanted to be here,” he stated. “That was crucial. It performed admirably.
“It’s definitely [a moment] full of exhilaration and [a sense of] relief,” he continued. Much relief, since I don’t think anyone could have imagined him playing for Manchester City.
“We had to take action to ensure he arrived here, for that reason. The club then spoke to the Glazers and did a great job of following through.”
Why is Ronaldo quitting Manchester United?
Cristiano Ronaldo is worried he won’t be able to compete for the major prizes at Manchester United, which is why he wants to leave this summer.
In the later stages of his career, the 37-year-old feels the need to win even more, but it’s believed he fears it might not be achievable at Old Trafford in the upcoming year.
He won’t be given Champions League football by Manchester United, and as a performance-oriented player, he does not want to remain at Old Trafford for the coming season.
