Manchester United youngsters could help Erik ten Hag change Cristiano Ronaldo narrative

Manchester United will embark on their pre-season tour on Friday afternoon as Erik ten Hag prepares to take charge of his new side for the first time in a game next week.

United begin their summer schedule with a trip to Thailand to face old foes Liverpool, before flying to Australia where they will face Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Then comes a busy weekend featuring a match against Atletico Madrid in Oslo and a clash with Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford within a day of one another.

Ten Hag has been relishing the opportunity to get to know his new side, and he is set for a crash course in the expectancy and scrutiny of being in charge of such an elite club. Before a ball is even kicked, there will be close attention paid to the squad he selects to travel for the tour, with all eyes on Manchester Airport and whether or not a certain Cristiano Ronaldo is in attendance.

READ MORE: Ronaldo saga might expose ugly United truth

The Portuguese forward remains absent from United training due to ‘family issues’, an explanation that was accepted by the club. He missed their double session on Thursday, the third day of training this week.

It is still unclear whether or not Ronaldo will form any part of the tour squad this summer, but Ten Hag is sure to lift the lid on proceedings when he faces the media in the build up to next week's Liverpool clash. United's new manager will be eager for plenty of positivity amid the ongoing Ronaldo saga, and one way to get that will be by giving youngsters a chance to shine this summer.

One reason why United were so eager for Ten Hag to take charge at Old Trafford in the first place was because of his commitment to blooding youth. And in his first two weeks at the club he has