Erik ten Hag insists Cristiano Ronaldo is part of Manchester United’s plans for next season and not for sale amid links of a potential transfer to Chelsea this summer.
Ronaldo has asked to leave the club after just one season as he eyes playing at the highest level in the final years of his career.
The 37-year-old’s desire stems from a sporting goal of wanting to play in the Champions League, which Man United failed to qualify for, for the 2022/23 after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.
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Ronaldo told the Red Devils to allow him to leave if a ‘satisfactory offer’ arrived for the Portugal international, with Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain all linked.
Chelsea’s interest remains unclear with co-owner Todd Boehly an admirer, but head coach Thomas Tuchel is to be given the final decision and the ‘current feeling’ is that he is not convinced making a swoop is the right decision.
Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has offered his client to clubs, including the Blues, while the forward has yet to return to Manchester United for pre-season due to family reasons.
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United have flown out to Thailand without Ronaldo ahead of their trip down under to Australia.
Ten Hag is getting to grips with his new surroundings and squad, but has offered an update on the future of the superstar.
Private conversations have been held between the pair and Ten Hag has reiterated that Ronaldo isn’t for sale and remains part of United’s plans for next season.
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He told reporters at a press conference: "He is not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season. That is it.
"I am looking forward to working with him. Cristiano is not for sale. He is in our plans. We want success together.
"I had a good talk. That is between Cristiano and me, what I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together."
Tuchel was asked about Ronaldo in Los Angeles, where Chelsea are currently training ahead of their pre-season opener against Club America in Las Vegas on Saturday.
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A fan said: “Thomas, do we sign Cristiano Ronaldo?”
While signing autographs and taking photos with fans, Tuchel replied: “I will not tell you!”
Chelsea could have a new-look attack next season with the imminent arrival of Raheem Sterling, while other new attacking targets are being identified with Barcelona set to land Leeds United star Raphinha.
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Whether or not that would include Ronaldo is unclear, but both United and Tuchel will need convincing if a blockbuster switch was to happen in the summer transfer window.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik Ten Hag, Chelsea, Manchester United
Matthew Debono