Raphael Varane sends message to Cristiano Ronaldo amid Manchester United absence

Raphael Varane admits he still wants to play with Cristiano Ronaldo amid mounting speculation over the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and his Manchester United future.

Ronaldo, 37, completed a sensational return move to Old Trafford last summer and marked his second coming with 24 goals in all competitions. However, the Portugal striker wants to leave for a second time 12 months after heading back to the place where it all began on a global scale, from Italian giants Juventus.

As the only player yet to report for pre-season training, Ronaldo and his ongoing absence has been attributed to a pressing family matter - which the club formally accept - but United have also been forced to respond to mounting speculation Ronaldo will move on elsewhere before next term starts.

READ MORE: Varane shares verdict on Ten Hag

Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain were among those linked with a move and it is widely understood that Ronaldo wants to play in the Champions League moving forward. United missed out on a place in the marquee European competition owing to a dismal sixth-place finish under former interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

Ronaldo has yet to play for Erik ten Hag and, in his absence, United have recorded pre-season wins over Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace most recently. Anthony Martial has made the most of the chance presented to him, meanwhile, with three goals in as many summer outings to this stage.

United still miss Ronaldo, though, as former Real Madrid and current United teammate Varane explains.

Responding to suggestions Ronaldo was a problem at United last season, he said: "That debate was outside of the dressing room. We know his quality and we know he's very famous.

"So we know a