Cristiano Ronaldo 'seeking Manchester United exit'

The Portugal international scored 24 goals and registered three assists in 38 appearances for the Red Devils during the 2021-22 campaign, including 18 strikes in the Premier League.

Ronaldo still has 12 months left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, with the option of another year, but there has been speculation surrounding his future in recent months.

Ten Hag appeared to confirm that the 37-year-old was a part of his plans for next season when he addressed the media during his first press conference as Man United manager.

However, according to La Repubblica, Ronaldo is considering leaving Old Trafford before the end of the summer window.

The report claims that the Portuguese does not feel involved in Ten Hag's project at Old Trafford, with the Dutchman's teams built on pressing from the front.

The absence of Champions League football for the 2022-23 campaign is also allegedly a huge problem for Ronaldo, who is desperate to lift the trophy at least once more before the end of his career.

The attacker's agent Jorge Mendes is said to already be looking for a potential new club, and Roma are said to be 'dreaming' of bringing him back to Italy this summer.

The report claims that Sporting Lisbon, where Ronaldo started his professional career, would also be in the running for his signature if he signalled a desire to leave Old Trafford.

The forward made 31 appearances for Sporting before joining Man United in 2003, and he then went on to represent Real Madrid and Juventus before returning to the Red Devils last summer.

Ronaldo won two Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia during his spell in Italian football, but Man United ended last season without a trophy and finished down in sixth spot in the Premier League.

Edinson Cavani's departure on a free transfer has already been confirmed, while there is uncertainty surrounding Anthony Martial's future at the club, so an exit for Ronaldo would leave Ten Hag's side short of options in the final third of the field.

Darwin Nunez was believed to be a leading target this summer, but the Uruguay international has joined Liverpool from Benfica, while Manchester City won the race to sign Erling Braut Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

Ronaldo will not report for pre-season training with Man United towards the end of this month, having been involved for his country during the recent international break.

The attacker is expected to travel on their pre-season tour next month, though, with the club facing Liverpool, Melbourne City, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano in friendlies before the start of the new Premier League campaign.