Manchester United Insists Cristiano Ronaldo Is Not For Sale As Striker Has Crunch Talks At Carrington

Manchester United firmly stood their ground, insisting Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale after he flew back to Carrington on Tuesday.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner revealed his desire to leave Old Trafford as he hopes to participate in the Champions League next season. He missed United's pre-season tour in Thailand and Australia due to family reasons. Ronaldo was permitted compassionate leave for the first three weeks of pre-season training.

The 37-year-old returned to their training ground on Tuesday morning. He landed at the Manchester Airport in his private jet and reportedly drove in with his agent Jorge Mendes just after 10:00 a.m. to hold talks with Ten Hag and some key staff at Old Trafford. The Portuguese international's former manager Sir Alex Ferguson was also present, along with former chief executive David Gill and current Old Trafford supremo Richard Arnold.

According to reports, Ronaldo talked with Ferguson and former Man Utd and England skipper Bryan Robson in the Carrington canteen. United bosses hoped Fergie, who has a close relationship with CR7, could encourage his former player to play with the team for the remaining 12 months of his £500,000 ($600,000)-a-week deal.

United continued to insist Ronaldo is not for sale and will not transfer to other teams. However, Ronaldo is believed to be still reluctant to stay for one more season and remains determined to seek a new club before the transfer window closes.

Mendes initially hoped to meet with Arnold to discuss Ronaldo's wish to exit the team. The striker is also set to tell the team he does not want a new deal. However, United sources said there was no change in the club's view. Despite several European top-profile teams being linked to Ronaldo, there have been no offers from a Champions League club for him.

Meanwhile, United are set to play a behind-closed-doors match against Wrexham on Wednesday; however, Ronaldo is still unlikely to join them. The Red Devils will also play two friendly matches over the weekend. Two of United's new players, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, arrived at training together and are believed to be staying at the same hotel.