Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, has been forced to accept that he will have to plan his squad without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ten Hag stated that he was excited to work with Ronaldo and that he was confident in his ability to build a winning team around his unique talents.
But the 37-year-old has stunned Old Trafford officials by requesting a transfer less than a year after his emotional return from Juventus.
While Ronaldo continued his incredible goal scoring last season, United had a poor season in which they finished with their lowest ever Premier League points total.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, has no desire to play in the Europa League and instead wishes to join a team competing in the Champions League next season.
According to The UK Sun, United were initially optimistic that they could persuade Ronaldo to stay for the final year of his contract.
The Red Devils are now resigned to losing the Portugal captain, who appears to have little intention of joining the rest of the squad for their upcoming tour of the Far East and Australia after missing the start of pre-season training due to “family reasons.”
Ronaldo has deliberately missed United’s training ahead of the pre-season preparations for the third consecutive day.