Why Andreas Pereira has not returned to Manchester United training following loan spell

Cristiano Ronaldo was not the only senior player absent from Manchester United training on Monday.

United welcomed back their international stars to Carrington at the start of the week as Erik ten Hag got to work on finalising their pre-season tour squad ahead of their departure on Friday.

Ronaldo will not report back to pre-season training with United today due to "family reasons" with senior sources at the club insisting they had accepted such an explanation.

READ MORE: Manchester United players return amid Cristiano Ronaldo absence

Scott McTominay, James Garner, Fred, Alex Telles, Hannibal Mejbri, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Facundo Pellistri, Eric Bailly and Anthony Elanga all reported for pre-season on Monday.

However, there was no sign of Andreas Pereira after his loan spell with Brazilian side Flamengo officially came to an end last week.

The 26-year-old played 53 games for Flamengo since joining the club on loan last August, scoring eight times, including a magnificent goal in his final game for the club in the Copa Libertadores last week.

United and Flamengo discussed making the move permanent, but they came to nothing. Fulham have made a bid of around £11million for Pereira who, with just a year remaining on his contract, could make the switch to the Premier League new boys.

The Manchester Evening News understands Pereira has been given extra time off following the conclusion of his loan spell in order to have a proper rest ahead of the new European season.

Club sources reiterate that Pereira has 'very high' fitness levels following his time at Flamengo, where he played in a number of high-altitude matches. It is understood the Brazilian will be able to make a quick