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Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly left Old Trafford before the end of Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Ronaldo, who started the friendly fixture against Vallecano, was replaced after the first 45 minutes before leaving Old Trafford even before the final whistle. Sources close to Manchester United refused to comment on whether Ronaldo’s early exit was approved by head coach Erik ten Hag, according to ESPN.
The 37-year-old Portuguese forward, who still has a year left on his current contract, recently missed Manchester United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia citing family reasons.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrates after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on February 15, 2022 in Manchester, England.
Photo: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
It has been reported that Ronaldo is keen to leave the Red Devils, especially after the team failed to secure the Champions League for the upcoming season. Manchester United did not win a single trophy last year and finished sixth in the 2021-22 Premier League, which means they will play in the Europa League this term.
Ronaldo has been linked with moves to Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid, although it is understood that Manchester United are yet to receive a serious offer for Portugal forward.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag has said his side is ready for the new season before adding there is “still room for improvement.”
“I think we [have had] a good pre-season. We make good progress. We are ready for the season. I know there is still room for improvement. We have to improve and that is also a process that continues during the season. But, for next week, it’s about the result as well. It was a mixture between experience and youth [today]. Some guys, they need to see today, for the first time, what you can expect,” Ten Hag said in a post-match interview on Sunday, according to Man Utd’s media.
“You saw the attitude was really great, really the intention to co-operate. They fight and work for each other. That was positive. We create also a lot of chances and also conceded some chances. Overall, we have to be satisfied with this performance,” added Ten Hag in the same interview.
Manchester United are scheduled to begin their 2022-23 Premier League campaign with a home game against Brighton on Sunday, Aug. 7.
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