Cristiano Ronaldo Skips Training Due To Personal Reasons, Man Utd Stunned By His Transfer Request

Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly absent during Manchester United's pre-season training on Monday after telling the team his plan to leave the club this summer.

Man Utd's international players met with newly appointed manager Erik Ten Hag on Monday, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could not attend due to "family reasons."

However, reports emerged about Ronaldo's attempt to exit Old Trafford during the summer transfer window which left the team stunned just days before Man Utd fly out to Thailand for the first leg of their summer tour. The Red Devils returned to pre-season training, they jetted off on a two-and-a-half-week tour on Friday. The Portuguese footballer reportedly wants to quit Old Trafford following their poor season. The 37-year-old is said to be determined to move to a club in the Champions League.

The former Real Madrid player appeared to show his significant concerns over United's ability to secure a top-four finish this season. Ronaldo's known desire to play at the highest level of the game, specifically the Champions League drove him to file a transfer out of Old Trafford. Meanwhile, according to Mirror, United have advised Ronaldo that he must travel with the squad and complete pre-season even if he decides on leaving this summer.

Ronaldo played 19 consecutive seasons in the Champions League, he is considered the tournament's all-time top goal scorer with 141 goals. No other player in history has featured in more Champions League matches than Ronaldo. A source close to the footballer said, "Next season will be the first time he won't play in the Champions League. He needs to play in the competition - it's what drives him to produce his best, hence why he wants to move."

Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, is said to have already been talking with potential teams, being linked with Bayern Munich, Napoli and Chelsea. According to sources, Mendes may already have a sure target, given the request for Man Utd to accept a bid.

Man Utd have already missed out on their strike target Darwin Nunez this summer transfer window. The team have decided to allot their budget to other areas of the squad. Among United's other priority is the central midfield, with Ten Hag reportedly closing in on a deal for his top target Frenkie de Jong, while an offer has also been sent to out-of-contract Christian Eriksen. United are reportedly prepared to keep Ronaldo, who has one year left on his £500,000 ($600,000)-a-week deal.

Ten Hag will first manage his side in a friendly match against rivals Liverpool in Bangkok before flying to Melbourne to face Crystal Palace, and later Perth to play against Aston Villa.