Manchester United Fans on Cristiano Ronaldo's situation: It's normal that he wants to play in the Champions League

Cristiano Ronaldo was absent again on the third day of Manchester United's pre-season preparations at Carrington.

His absence from Erik ten Hag's first few days in charge at the Red Devils has sent shockwaves through the club.

The Dutch coach had been under the impression that he would have Ronaldo as his spearhead for next season, but the Portugal international wants to depart the Red Devils.

Manchester United fans were thrilled by the return of their star 12 years after he left for Real Madrid. However, after scoring 24 goals and registering three assists in 38 games across all competitions last season, he has asked to be allowed to leave the club.

What do fans think?

MARCA has asked various Manchester United fans to offer their opinion on Ronaldo's current situation.

"It's his decision," one fan said.

"If he thinks United are not improving and not meeting his expectations, it's normal that he wants to leave."

Another fan believes that Ronaldo will not move to an English club if he parts ways with Manchester United this summer.

"He wants to leave because he aspires to play in the Champions League," said the Man Utd supporter.

"If he leaves, he will leave England."

Not all fans believe that Ronaldo will depart Old Trafford, as one has pointed out that the fanbase is pleased with their star.

"I don't think he will leave," said the fan.

"The club doesn't have anyone to replace him so quickly. The fans are very happy with him. We would like him to be captain.

"United should support him and try to keep him and if not, let him go. He's a club legend, he's in his second spell at the club and I don't think he's letting anyone down with this situation and I don't think he can be blamed for it.

"Maybe he's going to play the last years of his career in a Champions League team. He should be in that competition."

The Champions League objective

Aged 37, Ronaldo is in search of a team who will feature in the Champions League ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

This is the main reason behind his decision to leave the Red Devils this summer and that's why he wouldn't even be willing to reduce his salary.

Manchester United's sixth-place finish in the Premier League means that they will feature in the Europa League next season. And this was a hard blow for Ronaldo, who has won five Champions League titles, being the tournament's top scorer with 140 goals.

Real Madrid is not an option

Bayern Munich and Chelsea have emerged as potential suitors, but as MARCA has reported, Real Madrid are not interested in signing their former star.

Meanwhile, at Old Trafford they are waiting to see if Cristiano will be available for the team's preseason tour in Thailand and Australia. His presence is key for the club both in sporting and financial terms.