In April, Ronaldo announced: that his son had died during childbirth and that only the birth of the child’s twin sister gave him and his partner Georgina Rodriguez the strength “to live this moment”.
United will be launching their new home kit for next season on Friday and sources have indicated that Ronaldo will appear in it, with images of the five-time World Player of the Year expected to be used despite him wanting to leave.
Reports surfaced on Thursday that United would be listening to offers close to the £12.9million they paid to re-contract Ronaldo with Juventus last summer, prompting the club to reiterate their stance that the 37-year-old should not be too buy laundry.
Chelsea get the chance to sign Ronaldo although the club’s new owner, Todd Boehly, will likely leave it up to manager Thomas Tuchel to decide whether to make a deal. Napoli is also linked, but it’s unclear how much interested parties can realistically afford to fund Ronaldo’s £40million a year, plus a transfer fee.
Ronaldo’s absence is likely to be a disappointment to United’s tour sponsors and also gives Ten Hag a headache, as preparing for the season is a crucial time for the former Ajax coach to impose his ideas on the squad and build fitness . The Dutchman will also be keen to ensure Ronaldo’s absence is not an unwanted distraction. Gary Neville, the former United captain, has already urged the club to resolve the matter quickly and decisively. “This cannot be a saga that diverts attention from ETH bedding in the next two months,” Neville tweeted.
Ten Hag hopes to make five signings this summer, with Netherlands being left-back Tyrell Malacia, a £12.9m deal from Feyenoord, their only recruit to date, but United are confident Ronaldo will stay. It remains to be seen what will happen to Mason Greenwood while the striker is still on police bail.
Christian Eriksen has agreed to join United but the Denmark playmaker will have to undergo a medical check before he can join the squad. United are also in talks with Barcelona to take over Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong and with Ajax about Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez and Brazilian winger Antony.