Ronaldo all smiles as Ten Hag welcomes Man United star back to first-team training

The Portuguese superstar arrived at Carrington on Tuesday morning for talks with Ten Hag after being axed over his recent bad behaviour.

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Ronaldo made headlines last week, for all the wrong reasons, after he stormed down the tunnel during United's 2-0 victory over Tottenham.

Ten Hag later confirmed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner refused to come on as a late substitute in that game and acted swiftly by leaving him out of the matchday squad for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

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Ronaldo was forced to train alone, but was pictured back alongside his teammates on Tuesday afternoon, with smiles to suggest clear-the-air talks were successful.

He is now in the frame to return to the United squad for Thursday's Europa League visit of Sheriff Tiraspol.

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The 37-year-old's absence had been the talk of the town, with the transfer rumour mill beginning to spin in earnest and reports linking him with an Old Trafford exit and possible moves to Chelsea and Italian side Napoli.

Ten Hag attempted to cool down that talk by insisting he expects Ronaldo to remain a United player until the end of the season, but insisted the veteran forward must 'face the consequences' for his 'bad behaviour'.

Reports have also claimed the rest of the United squad has been impressed with the Dutch manager's handling of the sulky superstar.

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The Portugal captain has faced plenty of criticism over his stroppy behaviour this season, with pundits branding him a 'disgrace' and a 'spoiled brat'.

He has received some backing, though, with former Manchester United captain Roy Keane insisting he is 'only human', while Liverpool legend Graeme Souness suggested Ronaldo's iconic status in the game means he should get a 'pass' for his poor conduct.

This is not the first time the player and manager have appeared to be at loggerheads this season, and they have worked it out before with Ronaldo previously returning to the team as he scored his landmark 700th goal in club football.

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Ronaldo has been used sparingly this season, and his output has taken a hit as a result.

The 37-year-old was Man United's top goalscorer last term as he plundered 24 goals, with three assists, in 39 games.

So far he has only managed two goals and one assist in 12 appearances in all competitions this campaign, having started only twice in the Premier League.