Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag insists Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale

Erik ten Hag has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo is “not for sale” despite speculation linking the 37-year-old with a summer exit from Manchester United head.

Earlier this month, shockwaves were sent through the Red Devils faithful after it was revealed that Ronaldo was keen on ending his second stint at the club should a suitable offer come in for his services.

Many believe this is highly motivated by the six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s desire to play in the Champions League — given that Manchester United secured a disappointing sixth-placed finish in the Premier League last season.

However, newly-appointed manager Erik ten Hag has reiterated that the Portuguese international will not be sold this summer and is in his plans for the 2022-23 campaign.

“So he [Ronaldo] is not with us, and that’s due to personal issues,” Ten Hag said in the press conference ahead of Manchester United’s pre-season game against Liverpool.

“We are planning with Ronaldo for this season – that’s it.

“I’m looking forward to working with him. He hasn’t told me this [that he wants to leave].

“I have read, but as I say, Cristiano is not for sale, he’s in our plans and we want to get success together.

“I spoke with him before this issue came up. I had a conversation with him and had a real good talk.”

Manchester United will be without Ronaldo when they begin their pre-season tour of Thailand with a highly-anticipated friendly against Liverpool tomorrow (see all Premier League pre-season fixtures here).

In what will be Ten Hag’s first game at the helm, the 37-year-old will not feature for the Old Trafford outfit after he was left out of the 31-man travelling squad due to personal reasons.

Cristiano Ronaldo finished as the Old Trafford outfits’ top scorer last season, netting 24 goals in 38 games across all competitions while providing three assists.