Cristiano Ronaldo back training with Man Utd squad after ongoing talks with Erik ten Hag following Chelsea axe
CRISTIANO RONALDO returned to Manchester United training today – after ongoing talks with Erik ten Hag.
The Portuguese superstar was exiled from the Red Devils squad for their 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Saturday night.
It came after the 37-year-old REFUSED to come off the bench for their clash against Tottenham last week.
He then stormed down the tunnel before the end of the 2-0 win in a huge strop.
Ten Hag forced Ronaldo to train on his own before banning him for the Stamford Bridge clash.
He was also fined around two weeks’ wages, up to £720,000, for his public show of indiscipline.
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He arrived at United’s Carrington training complex on Tuesday morning, where he faced the manager and his team-mates after the whole squad was given Monday off.
Ronaldo opted to drive in just before 10am in his Cadillac Escalade – a 37th birthday present from girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez worth £150,000.
He was alone in the car, wearing his sunglasses, but was followed as usual by his security guards in a Range Rover.
And the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was pictured back in action with the first team – along with Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek – as they prepare for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol.
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SunSport understands he would be axed for the Sheriff tie if he does not show remorse for his actions – but the fact he joined in the session is a good sign and he is now said to be in contention.
According to reports, Ronaldo and Ten Hag have been in constant dialogue over recent days.
It is said Ten Hag believes Ronaldo has served his punishment and wants to move forward with the whole group pulling in the same direction.
Ten Hag said it was “bad behaviour” and emphasised that despite Ronaldo’s achievements he cannot be afforded special treatment.
He said last week: “He has achieved a lot in his career. It is so brilliant.
“But he has to be aware that you get judged by the moment and how you are acting today. In top sport, it is about today — it is not about age or reputation.
“When you have top sport, you get judged by the moment and how you act. That is normal.
“Everyone has to be aware of it and not just Cristiano.
“We have to be aware of it as a team, a manager and a club.”
NAPOLI NEXT?
SunSport revealed that Ronaldo is open to joining Napoli in a January transfer if the United situation has not been resolved.
A source said: “Chelsea were interested in Ronaldo over the summer, but he is no longer on their radar.
“The most likely destination now is Italy. Napoli were interested in Ronaldo over the summer and are still keen.
“Adding him to their squad is a step they believe will help in their aim to remain top of Serie A and to progress through the Champions League.
“But it will come down to whether the club can match the eye-watering wage demands.”
Ten Hag is reportedly keeping tabs on Lille’s Jonathan David, Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrick Schick and Lyon’s Moussa Dembele as potential replacements.
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United take on Moldovans Sheriff in Europa League Group E on Thursday needing a point to qualify for the next round.
They will be looking for a win to take their challenge for top spot with Real Sociedad into the last game against the current group leaders in Spain.