Erik ten Hag's planning for the new campaign has been thrown into jeopardy amid reports claiming that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United in pursuit of Champions League football.
According to a report by The Times, Ronaldo, who is due to report back to the club's Carrington training base for pre-season training this week, has asked to be allowed to leave Old Trafford, subject to the club receiving a 'satisfactory offer' for his signature.
United, following the emergence of the news, moved quickly to shoot the story down. They have insisted that the 37-year-old is not for sale and that he will play a key part in Ten Hag's plans in the forthcoming campaign.
Ronaldo returned to United last summer from Juventus and notched 24 goals in all competitions, proving to be one of the club's few success stories last term. READ MORE: What the Manchester United pre-season tour squad could look like with signings Although United are in desperate need of new recruits, Ronaldo - should he stay - is assured of a starting berth under Ten Hag, leading the line in the 4-3-3 formation the Dutchman is expected to deploy.