Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo 'among 15 Manchester United players to return to training on Monday'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 01 July 2022

Ronaldo 'among 15 Man United players to return to training on Monday'

Cristiano Ronaldo will be among 15 Manchester United players to return to the club's Carrington training complex on Monday, according to a report.

Cristiano Ronaldo will reportedly be among the Manchester United players to return to the club's Carrington training complex on Monday morning for pre-season training.

The Red Devils started their pre-season earlier this week, with a number of players, including Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, David de Gea, Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek, working under the club's new head coach Erik ten Hag over the last few days.

However, those involved for their countries during the June internationals, including Ronaldo, were given a longer period off.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Man United will have 15 players back in training on Monday, as Ten Hag prepares to name his squad for the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.

The Red Devils will fly out to Bangkok next Friday, four days before their first friendly of the summer against Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes pictured on March 6, 2022 © Reuters

Ronaldo's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with the 37-year-old thought to be considering his position at Old Trafford ahead of the new campaign.

However, Bruno Fernandes recently played down suggestions that his club and international teammate could leave, and Man United have allegedly made it clear to potential suitors that the Portuguese will not be leaving during this summer's transfer window.

Ronaldo and Fernandes are both expected back in training on Monday, alongside Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Diogo Dalot, Alex Telles, Eric Bailly, Scott McTominay, James Garner, Fred, Hannibal Mejbri, Facundo Pellistri and Anthony Elanga.

Meanwhile, it is alleged that teenage goalkeeper Dermot Mee could feature due to Dean Henderson's absence, and Dylan Levitt, who spent last season on loan with Scottish outfit Dundee United, is also set to be involved after being in action for Wales.

Harry Maguire pictured on April 9, 2022 © Reuters

Maguire's struggles during the 2021-22 campaign led to speculation surrounding his future, but the centre-back is expected to remain at Old Trafford this summer, even if he loses the captain's armband.

The futures of Telles and Bailly are far from secure, though, with the former potentially being made surplus to requirements if Tyrell Malacia arrives at Old Trafford from Feyenoord.

Man United are believed to be tracking Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez, meanwhile, which could lead to Bailly, alongside Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, leaving the club.

Garner is expected to be given the chance to make his mark for Man United during pre-season, though, with the midfielder returning to the club off the back of an impressive loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

The 20-time English champions will take on Liverpool, Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano as part of their preparations for the 2022-23 campaign.