Cristiano Ronaldo says he is taking his return to Manchester United training "step by step" as the fallout over his controversial actions on Sunday continues.
The Red Devils star has been absent for much of pre-season and questions about his future continue to be asked amid his desire to quit Old Trafford. Her was absent for their tour of Australia and only played in his first game of the summer on Sunday, taking part in the first 45 minutes of their draw with Rayo Vallecano.
Ronaldo was taken off at half-time and left the ground before the game had even finished. That bought about an angry reaction from manager Erik ten Hag, who has been forced to field questions about his No 7 all summer.
He told Dutch media outlets AD : “I certainly don’t condone this. This is unacceptable. For everyone. We are a team and you have to stay until the end.” Ronaldo was not the only player to leave with Diogo Dalot among those to also walk out, although he was not part of the matchday squad.
Ronaldo has posted several pictures on social media of himself training alongside his teammates - the latest involving Amad and Alejandro Garnacho - with the caption: "step by step.."
Ten Hag has commented that, by missing pre-season, Ronaldo is not "at the level" of his teammates - even if he is known for his rigorous training regime. That is perhaps why he was only given 45 minutes at Old Trafford at the weekend with the new season beginning this week.
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The United boss has told Sky Sports : "It starts with him getting fit because he's only just started. He is a fantastic football player, and he has proved it so many times, but you are always judged on what you are presenting now and how you are performing now. So, the team and Cristiano himself has to prove it."
However, Ten Hag could be forced into a humiliating climbdown after the injury to Anthony Martial. The Frenchman, who was in brilliant pre-season form, is a major doubt for the club's Premier League opener against Brighton.
Unless the United boss opts for Anthony Elanga, Ronaldo may find himself in the starting XI at Old Trafford on Sunday. The forward, though, could yet secure his Manchester exit, less than 12 months after returning to the club for a second spell.
His goals last term were not enough to secure a top four finish and they meandered to sixth, meaning a year in the Europa League. That is part of Ronaldo's motivation for leaving - his want to play Champions League football.
Agent Jorge Mendes has recently been holding showdown talks with club officials, one of which was Sir Alex Ferguson, but Ronaldo remains determined to leave the club. His representatives claim they have a buyer after the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich both distanced themselves from any deal.
