Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Man Utd training ground for showdown talks

Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived at Carrington for showdown talks with Erik ten Hag following the star’s behaviour during Manchester United’s win last Wednesday.

The 37-year-old walked down the tunnel at Old Trafford after refusing to come on as a late substitute in United’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening. Ten Hag subsequently decided to leave Ronaldo out of the squad for the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw at Chelsea at the weekend, and revealed he would fine the forward two weeks’ wages.

It led to Ronaldo training alone on Thursday and Friday as he tries to force himself back into Ten Hag’s plans before the World Cup begins in November. Despite Ten Hag claiming he wants Ronaldo to stay at United for the remainder of the season, it is understood there is a willingness to allow the forward to leave in January.

But Ten Hag is set to hold talks with Ronaldo on Tuesday to try and solve the situation, with United set to play six more matches before the World Cup begins on November 20. Ronaldo was pictured arriving at United’s training complex on Tuesday morning as they attempt to reach an agreement.

Mirror Football reported that the United boss wants to see genuine contrition from Ronaldo over his conduct, before allowing him to resume training with the first-team, having sent out a strong message with his treatment of the club’s most high-profile player.

The Dutchman is keen to find common ground and believes the striker still has a role to play in his squad. If Ronaldo is reintegrated into the first-team squad, he is likely to make his return for United in Thursday’s Europa League tie against Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo agitated for a move to a Champions League club in the summer, but the only offer for the Portuguese superstar came from a Saudi Arabia-based team, which was rejected by the player and his camp.

Ten Hag was reluctant to discuss his absence as the Red Devils earned a well-deserved 1-1 draw away to Chelsea on Saturday. However, the Dutch tactician did underline Ronaldo’s importance in his post-match press conference.

“It’s obvious. He can score a goal,” Ten Hag said. “He’s valuable to us. We need him, that’s clear. And I think you see it also in this game; he can finish. That’s quite obvious. I think I have said enough about the situation. Let’s focus on this game. It was a good game for my team. I have to really compliment my team.”

This isn’t the first time that Ronaldo has left Old Trafford before full-time this season, having done the same in a pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano back in July. He walked out of the stadium at half-time – a week before their Premier League opener at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. Ten Hag said at the time: “I certainly don’t condone this. This is unacceptable, for everyone. We are a team.”