Cristiano Ronaldo is LEFT OUT of Man United’s squad to face Atletico Madrid despite joining training

Cristiano Ronaldo is absent from the Manchester United team travelling to Oslo for the club’s pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. 

Eric ten Hag and 21 players have travelled to the Norwegian capital for the game against Spanish opposition this weekend, according to the club’s official website, including Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, who could make their first starts for the Red Devils.

However, United also have a friendly at Old Trafford on Sunday against Rayo Vallecano, and those players missing from the Oslo trip – including wantaway star Ronaldo – could be featuring then instead. 

Atletico Madrid supporters’ club insist they ‘would not accept’ signing star Cristiano Ronaldo

United’s website states: ‘Some of those absent from the squad will take part in Sunday’s game against Rayo Vallecano, while others are ill or injured.’

The club go on to add: ‘The squads for the matches have been designed to ensure that available players get adequate game-time across the two fixtures.’

As previously reported by Sportsmail, Ronaldo returned to Carrington to train with his Red Devils teammates on Friday, but it still appears the Portuguese star is seeking Champions League football for the 2022-23 season.

Ronaldo was spotted driving in to Manchester United’s training ground on Friday morning

The 37-year-old’s agent Jorge Mendes is thought to be working on Ronaldo’s options for the incoming season. 

United’s Oslo squad includes full-backs Ethan Laird and Tyrell Malacia, after the latter’s arrival at Old Trafford this summer.

After proving their fitness levels, midfielders Scott McTominay and James Garner are on the trip to play Atletico – a club Ronaldo was rumoured to be joining, before their fans made it clear they would not approve of Real Madrid’s top goalscorer joining their city rivals. 

Atletico Madrid fans made it clear on Wednesday that they oppose plans to acquire Ronaldo

As we previously reported on Wednesday night, Atletico fans even unfurled a banner saying ‘CR7 NOT WELCOME’ in response to the rumours – while the club appeared to distance themselves from Ronaldo. 

Ronaldo is well aware of the speculation around his future, but in a reply to an Instagram fan account, he said the media was indulging in ‘lies’. 

‘Impossible not to talk about me one day,’ Ronaldo wrote. ‘Otherwise the press makes no money. You know that if you don’t lie you can’t get people’s attention. Keep going that one day you get some news right.’ He also attached a crying face emoji and a laughing emoji.

Cristiano Ronaldo replied to an Instagram post discussing rumours over his Old Trafford future