Ronaldo confirms Man Utd return

Cristiano Ronaldo will not play against Atletico Madrid in the upcoming friendly match, but the Red Devil star took on social media to confirm that people will see him play in the Manchester United kit against Rayo Vallecano.

Ronaldo did offer some reassurance that he would soon be back, remarking on an Instagram post that he plans to take the field against Rayo on Sunday, reports GOAL. 

"On Sunday, the king plays," the star's comment read, in reply to a post casting doubt on his future.

The Portuguese forward has been left out of the squad that will travel to Norway to take on the Spanish side in the pre-season clash.

Ronaldo has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer as he has told the club he wants to leave and Atletico have been touted as a possible destination, despite the Spanish side's president insisting that they will not sign him.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner told United officials of his desire to make a move this summer following the club’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

The 37-year-old has been absent throughout United's pre-season preparations as the club have given him time off because of a family issue.

The former Real Madrid star returned to United's training ground with his agent, Jorge Mendes, this week to hold talks with about his situation.

United have not offered an update on why Ronaldo remains absent from the squad and Ten Hag said recently that he does not know when the star forward will join up with the rest of the team.

The Red Devils have maintained that they will not let Ronaldo leave this summer and Ten Hag even hinted that he could end up extending his stay.

“Yes (he could stay beyond this season), but to be honest, of course, I have signed here for three years, but in football, it’s short-term as well. We have to win from the start. So I don’t look that far ahead," he said.