Not even the presence of Sir Alex Ferguson could help deliver a breakthrough, with the former manager in attendance at Carrington as Ronaldo ended his self-imposed exile and returned to the training ground on Tuesday morning. Ferguson appeared alongside United chief executive Richard Arnold, with the club insisting they were attending a pre-arranged football committee meeting. Former chief executive David Gill and ex-captain Bryan Robson were also seen arriving at Carrington, although United did not reveal the extent to which they were involved in talks between Erik ten Haag, Ronaldo and Jorge Mendes, the player’s agent. The club, citing confidentiality, did not comment on the nature of the talks. It is understood that a day of negotiations at the club’s training ground has concluded with the Portuguese striker remaining firm in his desire to leave the club. But in response, United have been equally adamant they will not budge from their position that the 37-year-old will be part of Ten Haag’s first-team plans next season. United’s position therefore remains unchanged and Ronaldo is not for sale, a stance that has not changed in the slightest since the start of the month when he first informed them he wanted to leave. That means Ronaldo and Mendes will make the next move. The player and his agent are believed to be equally adamant in wanting him to leave. Ronaldo, who insists he wants to play Champions League football next season, remains in the position despite an apparent lack of viable alternatives.
Carrington comes and goes
The developments followed a dramatic day at Carrington that began with Ronaldo and Mendes arriving at around 10am, an hour before the rest of the United team.
