Ruben Amorim has broken silence on suggestions Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Sporting Lisbon.
Speculation over Ronaldo and his Manchester United future remains at fever pitch, while the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has yet to report back to pre-season training. He did not board the plane to Thailand and Australia with Erik ten Hag and his teammates due to a pressing family matter.
United formally accepted the reason for his absence. However, the 37-year-old has also expressed a desire to leave and several clubs have been linked with his high-profile signature.
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During his absence, transfer rumours surrounding Ronaldo have been bubbling away. Chelsea and Bundesliga side Bayern Munich distanced themselves from a summer swoop, while reports in France claimed Ronaldo was offered to big-spending Paris Saint-Germain.
Ronaldo also rebuffed a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia and United insist the player will not be sold, as they seek clarification talks in the coming days before finalising plans for next season.
United signed the Portugal striker for the first time from Sporting in 2003 and Ronaldo did address return links with a one-word response on social media. However, it has otherwise been radio silent from his camp 12 months on from his second move to Old Trafford from Juventus.
Sporting manager Amorim has now been pressed on those reports. He said: "Is Ronaldo a chance?
"I already heard that, I don't read anything, I don't see anything. For me the reality is different, keeping my players."
Ronaldo scored 118 goals and provided 69 assists during his first spell with United, before taking his dazzling career to even greater heights with Real Madrid and Juventus. His return to Old Trafford resulted in 24 goals last season as the team collectively struggled under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
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