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Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United on Tuesday with his agent Jorge Mendes and has informed the club that he wishes to be relinquished from his contract to free him to join a Champions League side.

United have countered that they have no desire to sell him and maintained last night that there was no change in their stance, nor have they received any enquiries.

Talks have failed to change the 37-year-old's mind about wishing to leave but he will carry on in a professional manner.

Ronaldo only returned to Carrington on Tuesday after missing all of United's pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia.

He underwent medical tests and then trained on Wednesday before watching his team-mates in a behind-closed-doors friendly match against Wrexham.

It was thought this weekend's double-header of friendlies against Atletico Madrid on Saturday in Oslo and Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on Sunday may come too soon.

But it's believed Ronaldo may have an eye on the Rayo Vallecano one, which will feature more of a second string side. 

He has been working hard in the gym having been excused from the tour for family reasons. 

But as a result, Ronaldo has not been immersed in Ten Hag's methods ahead of the new season and will have to be reintegrated gradually.