Manchester United’s manager Erik Ten Hag has revealed that Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo is still in the plans of the club for the new season despite his demands to exit the club this summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who had a phenomenal individual season even though Manchester United missed out on the UEFA Champions League places, wants an exit from Old Trafford in search of UEFA Champions League opportunities.

Since his disclosure to leave Manchester United, clubs both in England and Europe have been trying to outsmart themselves to secure his services for the new season.

However, interests came from Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Sporting, and Barcelona, and a return to Real Madrid was also subtly discussed.

Meanwhile, Erik Ten Hag said the 2016 UEFA euro winner and 5-time Ballon d’Or winner are in the plans of the club for the new season.

“He is not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season. That is it. I am looking forward to working with him. Cristiano is not for sale. He is in our plans. We want success together.” Erik Ten Hag said.

Nevertheless, Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the pre-season tour to Thailand and will not be a part of the traveling team.

Manchester United will play Liverpool in Thailand on Tuesday before traveling to Australia, but Ten Hag is not sure the date Ronaldo will return as he has been training at the Portuguese national team headquarters.

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United last season after leaving for Real Madrid in 2009 before playing for Juventus, where he last played before returning to Old Trafford.

He emerged as the third-highest goal scorer for the Premier League and Manchester United’s highest last season with 18 goals and three assists.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu