However, the fact that he did not take part in Erik ten Hag’s training session and arrived in Jorge Mendes’s side shows that he was not there to prepare for the new season at United. And the emerging details further underlined that he was there to speed up his departure efforts. According to The Star, United face a losing battle to convince Ronaldo to stay, with the club’s iconic number seven determined to find a way out of Old Trafford before the summer transfer deadline. He informed club officials of his desire at the start of the window due to doubts about their ability to compete for major trophies. That stance remains, despite recent transfer activity and after a brief chat with Ferguson and Bryan Robson at United headquarters. Both were already scheduled to attend a board meeting with chief executive Richard Arnold and former club top dog David Gill. JUST IN: Neville ‘found innocent by German law’ after De Jong’s tweet allegations But the report claims United chiefs hoped the legendary manager, who was instrumental in Ronaldo’s decision to rejoin Juventus last summer, could persuade him to honor the final 12 months of his two-year deal. Ferguson intervened amid Mendes’ talks with Manchester City over a surprise move, tempting the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to snub him for a return to Old Trafford. But even the Scot could not sway Ronaldo’s mind this time, with the lanky ace looking to spend the final years of his glittering Champions League career. United remain adamant they are not for sale and will remain at the club beyond the deadline. READ MORE: Manchester United have plan for Ronaldo transfer meeting as striker pushes for exit
