Manchester United can give Cristiano Ronaldo what he wants this week

It always felt unlikely this summer would pass without some speculation around Cristiano Ronaldo and, as Manchester United prepare to open the gates of Carrington once again, the future of their star man is being debated.

With around 15 members of Erik ten Hag's squad returning for pre-season tomorrow — but not Ronaldo — the last thing the new manager needed was a distraction centring on one of the most talked-about players in the game.

United have failed to strengthen Ten Hag's ranks before the first day of pre-season and the last thing they need is the only striker left on their books announcing he wants to go.

READ MORE: United stance on Ronaldo fut ure amid Chelsea reports

It's unlikely to come to that but reports linking Ronaldo with Chelsea and Bayern Munich, two clubs in the Champions League likely to have vacancies at centre forward this summer, will be concerning at Old Trafford.

The 37-year-old can hear the clock ticking on his career ever louder and, while he has a year remaining on his United contract, he will have to accept a season without Champions League football for the first time in 20 years. That might be easier to stomach if he can see that a club close to his heart are making progress, but right now that might not be the case.

He couldn't be blamed for wondering if it might be worth pursuing a move to a Champions League club. He certainly won't be in Ballon d'Or contention while playing in the Europa League.

But Ronaldo has a real affection for United and in an interview with the club website recently, he praised the appointment of Ten Hag and said he planned to remain at Old Trafford.

“I was and still am very happy to be here,” he said. “I know (Ten Hag) did a fantastic job for Ajax and