Ronaldo sends message from Man Utd training ground after Ballon d'Or snub

As Lionel Messi collected his seventh Ballon d'Or award, Cristiano Ronaldo was nowhere to be seen after deciding to snub the ceremony.

However, as the fallout continues following the Portuguese forward's comments about award organisers France Football, Ronaldo has returned to Manchester United training and sent a message to his followers after a successful session.

The 36-year-old finished sixth in the Ballon d'Or voting, comfortably behind winner Messi and one place ahead of Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, with Chelsea duo Jorginho and N'Golo Kante also denying him a higher finish.

With his club back in Premier League action against Arsenal on Thursday, the United man has been working on his preparations as he pushes for a recall to the United starting XI under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.

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Read more: Lionel Messi's honest message to Cristiano Ronaldo after winning seventh Ballon d'Or

"[France Football editor-in-chief] Pascal Ferre lied, he used my name to promote himself and to promote the publication he works for," Ronaldo claimed after Ferre published alleged quotes attributed to the player.

"It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious prize could lie in this way, in absolute disrespect for someone who has always respected France Football and the Ballon d'Or.

"And he lied again today, justifying my absence from the Gala with an alleged quarantine that has no reason to exist."

On Tuesday, as United's players returned to training after their weekend draw with Chelsea, Ronaldo's attention appeared fixed on his club responsibilities.

He was left on the bench by caretaker boss Carrick on Sunday, eventually entering the field of play midway through the second half.

And Ronaldo shared a message from the training ground with the caption "Winning team", alongside a group of teammates including Harry Maguire and Juan Mata.

United will continue with Carrick in caretaker charge when Arsenal visit Old Trafford on Thursday, with newly-announced interim manager Ralf Rangnick waiting for visa issues to be resolved before he can take over.

The German was announced on Monday on a deal until the end of the season with a two-year consultancy role to follow, but now faces a race against time to be in the dugout for Sunday's match at home to Crystal Palace.

Ronaldo scored the first goal of Carrick's temporary tenure during a Champions League group stage win away to Villarreal, and remains the club's top scorer in all competitions this season.

Maguire could join Ronaldo in returning to the starting line-up, having served a one-match suspension following his red card at Watford, as United aim to close within two points of their opponents.