Cristiano Ronaldo has not reported back for pre-season training with Manchester United on Monday due to “family reasons”.
The 37-year-old has reportedly asked to leave United and this latest news could well be the start of the end of his second spell at the club.
According to the Manchester Evening News, club sources said: “Cristiano is not expected due to family reasons and the club has accepted this explanation.”
This won’t be an ideal situation for incoming manager Erik ten Hag as he tries to prepare the squad for an improved season, after United’s disappointing sixth-place finish last term.
Missing out on Champions League football this season may be a deciding factor in Ronaldo’s apparent wish to move on.