It's no secret that Cristiano Ronaldo now wants out of Manchester United. After a dire season that has left the club without Champions League football for 2022-23, the Portuguese striker has reportedly told the club he wants to leave.
Rumours abound linking him to a move away, with Chelsea thought to be his preferred destination. He has not linked up with the squad for the first leg of their pre-season tour in Bangkok, but he was present in some pre-recorded footage for the club's home kit launch for the new season on Friday.
A new report from The Athletic, however, reports that Ronaldo was initially planned to play a far more central role in the kit launch. The report suggests that Ronaldo's desire to leave has put the original launch video on hold, as the club attempts to resolve the issue.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United alter kit launch for Portuguese star
The new Manchester United kit launched on Friday morning. Inspired by the many iconic kits the team have worn featuring collars, it was launched with the help of club legend Eric Cantona - and wantaway star Cristiano Ronaldo.
The collar is 🔙
How will you wear yours? 🔴#MUFC || @adidasFootball— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 8, 2022
Reports on Friday morning, however, suggested that Cantona and Ronaldo were originally planned to play a much more prominent role in the kit launch, alongside another of United's famed number sevens.
Footage was shot of Ronaldo alongside Cantona and David Beckham, with that footage set to be the centrepiece of the home kit launch. However, with uncertainty surrounding whether Ronaldo will be playing at the club next year, the decision was made to delay release of the video.
Ronaldo, Cantona, and Beckham have all worn Manchester United's number seven shirt to great success over the years. Reportedly, an alternative video may be shot involving another iconic seven, Brian Robson, should Ronaldo ultimately leave.
READ HERE: Ralf Rangnick Reportedly Pleaded With Man United To Sell Cristiano Ronaldo In January
The Portuguese striker, who returned to the club last summer, did feature briefly in the kit launch video.
Manchester United jet off for Thailand for the first leg of their pre-season tour on Friday afternoon, but they will do so without Ronaldo. The United number seven has remained in Portugal to deal with a "family issue", and there is no suggestion yet of when he will link up with the rest of the squad.
Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of Manchester United squad for the start of pre-season tour. He’s not gonna travel to Bangkok tomorrow. 🚨🇵🇹 #MUFC
Man United accept to give Cristiano additional time off to deal with personal/family issue. pic.twitter.com/R8Z9XkCOST— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 7, 2022
Ronaldo was Manchester United's top scorer last season with 24 goals in all competitions. Questions were asked from early in the season, however, as to whether his overall impact on the squad's style of play was a net positive.
READ HERE: 'Ronaldo Is A Cod' - Remembering Eamon Dunphy's Infamous 2008 Rant
The club finished sixth in the Premier League table and exited the Champions League at the last 16 to Atletico Madrid.
Manchester United will get their pre-season underway against Liverpool in Bangkok on Tuesday at 2pm Irish time. It remains to be seen whether Cristiano Ronaldo will still be at Old Trafford by the time the two sides clash in the Premier League next month.
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