Manchester United have enjoyed a fruitful pre-season, but there are still plenty of question marks for the Red Devils.
New manager Erik ten Hag has overseen a succession of victories, while the team has delivered some impressive performances on tour in Thailand and Australia. However, with just days to go until the new league season kicks off, there remains uncertainty over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.
There could also be further new additions to go along with Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez as Ten Hag's squad look to improve on last season's sixth-place finish. Here are the latest news lines coming from Old Trafford.
Ronaldo's showdown talks
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Manchester United training with showdown talks on the agenda. The Portugal star arrived at Carrington with agent Jorge Mendes, while he was also followed into the training ground by legendary former Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ronaldo stunned United with a bombshell transfer request earlier in the window. However, with the likes of Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid playing down talk of a move, there are still big question marks when it comes to his next step.
Manager Erik ten Hag had previously insisted Ronaldo was not for sale, seeing the 37-year-old as part of his plans for the upcoming campaign. "I think we all know Ronaldo is a top professional and that he will be fit. So that is the last concern I have," the Dutchman said when asked about whether the veteran would be ready for the new season after missing the pre-season tour for family reasons.
Door open for Antony
Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder has offered Man Utd hope over transfer target Antony. The Brazilian was involved for the Dutch side during their pre-season victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, with the head coach quizzed on matters after the win.
"We know we have very good players [here] and we assume we will keep the squad together," Schreuder told Ziggo Sport. "But, with football, you never know.”
Antony has emerged as one of United's main attacking targets over the summer after impressing under Erik ten Hag over the last two seasons. However, if United's manager is to set up a reunion, the Manchester club are likely to need to spent big.
'Secret' friendly lined up
A secret behind-closed-doors friendly could offer up an opportunity for Christian Eriksen to get his first Man Utd minutes. According to the Manchester Evening News, the friendly - against National League side Wrexham - could feature first-teamers despite earlier suggestions to the contrary.
Eriksen is reportedly among those who could feature, having not been part of the squad for the tour games in Thailand and Australia. The Danish international last played in June, when he turned out for his country in their UEFA Nations League fixtures.
United's first-team also have two friendlies against Spanish opposition before beginning their Premier League campaign in August. They will take on Atletico Madrid in Oslo and Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford, with the matches being held on back-to-back days.
