Ten Hag's message to Man Utd stars about Ronaldo met with clear response

Manchester United players have reportedly been speculating about Cristiano Ronaldo 's absence amid growing rumours over a potential exit.

The Portuguese submitted a request to leave the club last week after the Red Devils failed to qualify for the Champions League. United's lack of activity in the transfer market is noted as another prime reason as to why he wishes to quit Old Trafford.

Ronaldo, 37, has not yet reported for pre-season training due to family reasons and will not be joining up with the rest of the squad for their tour abroad. It remains to be seen when he will return to action for the Red Devils, but it appears that some of the Portuguese's teammates have been left unconvinced over the reasons regarding his absence.

According to The Athletic, new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag referenced Ronaldo's failure to report in his opening speech to the squad ahead of pre-season. He was said to be straight to the point having recognised that the issue could not be ignored.

The players were thought to have kept their personal thoughts on the situation under wraps in that particular setting, but it did not take long for them to discuss the issue in private.

It is said that they came to a different conclusion as to why he was absent from training, with some suggestions that it was to do with his recently-submitted transfer request.

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It remains to be seen whether that is true or not, especially with Ronaldo's future still up in the air. He has a number of potential suitors - including Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich - but, as of yet, no offers have been lodged for his services.

United's stance over Ronaldo's future remains the same, with the club not intending to sell him while pointing to the fact he still has a year to run on the contract he signed when re-joining from Italian giants Juventus last summer.

Intriguingly, Ronaldo has already spoken about his excitement at linking up with Ten Hag ahead of next season - an opinion that might well have changed over the past few weeks.

Speaking shortly after the Dutchman's appointment at Old Trafford, the forward said: "I know he [Ten Hag] did a fantastic job for Ajax and that he's an experienced coach but we need to give him time and things need to change the way he wants.

"I hope we have success of course because if you have success all of Manchester are going to have success as well. So I wish him the best. We are happy and excited, not only the players but the supporters as well. I wish him the best and let's believe that next year we're going to win trophies."