Why isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Man Utd against Liverpool?

MANCHESTER UNITED take on Spanish giants Atletico Madrid this weekend in a mouth-watering pre-season fixture.

But talisman Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing no part in it.

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Why isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Man Utd against Liverpool?

Cristiano Ronaldo will play no part for Manchester United against Atletico Madrid because he is not on trying to force a move out of Old Trafford.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has made clear to the United hierarchy his desire to leave the club and refused to report back for training.

However, United have opted NOT to fine him.

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When will Cristiano Ronaldo return?

Manchester United’s tour of South East Asia and Australia concluded earlier on this month which Ronaldo did not play any part of.

And his absence continued in their match against Aston Villa in Perth on Saturday, July 23.

That means the earliest we could see Ronaldo feature again for Manchester United is their second friendly against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, July 31.

However, if the player gets his wish, he will not be playing again at all for the Red Devils.

Despite this, boss Erik ten Hag has said Ronaldo is not for sale and has kept the door open to him staying.

The former Ajax manager said: “We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for the season and that’s it and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“I have read things but what I say is Cristiano is not for sale, he is in our plans and we want success together.

“I spoke with him before this issue came up, I had a conversation with him and I had a good talk.

“That is between Cristiano and me, what I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together.”