CRISTIANO RONALDO returned to Manchester United training today – but did not have showdown 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.
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United training
He joined in with the session at Carrington on Tuesday
Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag have been in constant dialogue this week
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.
He arrived at United’s Carrington training complex on Tuesday morning, where he faced the manager and his team-mates.
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.
Ronaldo and Ten Hag have been in constant dialogue over recent days.
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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.
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.
Ten Hag then confirmed Ronaldo has served his punishment and wants to move forward with the whole group pulling in the same direction.
The entire Red Devils squad – including the former Real Madrid forward – were given Monday off.
United are preparing to face Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday
Brazilian pair Fred and Antony are hoping to start on Thursday
Ten Hag is keeping a close eye on his players
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.
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.
Cristiano Ronaldo turned up to Manchester United training in his sunglasses
He could need his iPhone sat-nav to work out his next move
Ronaldo walked down the tunnel and left the stadium before the end of the Tottenham win after refusing to come on as a sub
Furious Ten Hag banned Ronaldo from the Chelsea clash
