Cristiano Ronaldo given 'indefinite leave' by Man Utd after missing training for 'family reasons'

Manchester United are in the dark over when Cristiano Ronaldo will return to the club to start his pre-season training.

The Portuguese forward missed his first scheduled appearance at United’s Carrington training ground on Monday due to “family reasons.”

And while the Premier League club insist they are sensitive to the genuine personal issues that have required Ronaldo to stay in Lisbon, there is no set date in place for his delayed return.

Sources claimed it was “unclear” when he will return at present, casting doubt over whether he will join his team for their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia, which leaves on Friday.

It effectively amounts to a case of “indefinite leave” for the United star, in the wake of the news that he wants to quit the club after less than 12 months.

On Monday afternoon, pictures emerged of Ronaldo at the Portuguese national team’s training complex in Lisbon. Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez is in the city, along with his extended family.

United have been consistent all summer that they will not listen to offers and the striker is expected to see out the second season of the two-year guaranteed contract he signed when returning to Old Trafford less than 12 months ago.

It was expected that message would be reinforced to Ronaldo, when he returned to Carrington, and his future would be thrashed out in face-to-face talks.

But those will now have to be delayed as new manager Erik ten Hag focuses on training with his full first team- squad - minus Ronaldo - available to him for the first time.

The Ronaldo situation has already presented the Dutchman with a major headache ahead of his debut season in charge of the club.

The iconic forward has reportedly been left disillusioned about United’s failures, thus far, to strengthen a squad that under-achieved so badly last season.

And his burning desire to play in the Champions League has also contributed to his apparent decision to look to play elsewhere - with Chelsea, Bayern Munch and Napoli all linked with him over the weekend.

United, at least, continue to progress on their first signing of the summer - although with less than five weeks to go now until the new campaign kicks off.

Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia is back in Manchester this morning to complete the second part of a medical and sign a contract after United agreed a £13 million fee with Feyenoord.