Manchester United fans are claiming legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson is intervening to help keep Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford, as he arrived at Carrington ahead of showdown talks between the superstar and new boss Erik ten Hag.
The superstar forward’s agent Jorge Mendes arrived with him on Tuesday morning at around 10am, an hour before United’s players were due to arrive for training.
Also at Carrington is Sir Alex Ferguson – who first signed Ronaldo for United as an 18-year-old in 2003
Ferguson was there for an already scheduled football board meeting, with the likes of David Gill and Richard Arnold – and, while Sportsmail understands that the meeting was not specifically about Ronaldo’s future, it is highly possible that subject could have been discussed.
The location and time of the meeting is unusual so may have been adjusted to tie in with Ronaldo and Mendes’ arrival.
Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson arrived at Carrington ahead of the showdown talks
Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Carrington with his agent Jorge Mendes ahead of the talks
The 37-year-old forward has missed the first three weeks of the club’s pre-season – including the whole of their tour of Thailand and Australia – after being given compassionate leave for a family issue.
It came against a backdrop of Ronaldo asking to leave United this summer as he feels he is unable to compete for the biggest trophies at Old Trafford.
He played at Old Trafford for six seasons under Ferguson before departing for Real Madrid, but he still considers the legendary manager as an important mentor.
The Scot was influential in Ronaldo returning to the Red Devils last summer as he persuaded the forward not to join rivals Manchester City, so United will hope he can have a similar impact again.
Red Devils supporters took to social media to question why former legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson needs to attend Carrington, as the club are due to have showdown talks with superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Most fans insisting his arrival undermines new boss Erik ten Hag and his decision making on his squad at United.
One fan said: ‘You know it’s going to be serious talks when Sir Alex, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Jorge Mendes have all been pictured arriving Carrington. Decision time.
Ronaldo has missed all of the club’s pre-season so far after being given compassionate leave
Manchester United fans believe it’s decision time on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future today
Red Devils supporters took to social media to question why Sir Alex Ferguson needs to attend
Another posted: ‘Sir Alex, Richard Arnold, John Murtough, Bryan Robson, etc — doesn’t matter who’s at the meeting. The most important thing is Erik ten Hag should NOT be undermined.
‘They should represent what the manager wants for his team, not what they want for Man Utd.
A third added: ‘Does Sir Alex Ferguson really need to be there…
Fans also posted to insist Sir Alex Ferguson should leave his former club Man United alone
A United fans page believes Sir Alex should just relax rather than get involved with the club
A fourth insisted: ‘Sir Alex Ferguson Should Find A Place And Sit And Leave Manchester United Alone. Unnecessary Interference.
Another added: ‘Love you Sir Alex, really do, but just go and enjoy a jacuzzi or something, glass of red, watch an episode of The Office, go and relax. Don’t get involved.’
Other fans have praised the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson has arrived at United’s training ground to help potentially hold talks with his former star forward.
Other fans have praised the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson has arrived at United’s training ground
A fan tweeted: ‘So basically Sir Alex Ferguson and Bryan Robson are forming the United avengers to persuade Ronaldo to stay.
Another said: ‘Sir Alex Ferguson at Carrington to convince Cristiano Ronaldo to stay.’
One fan, however, simply stated the Scot might just be attending Carrington to meet the new signings.
He tweeted: ‘Nothing to do with him going to meet the new players who have arrived this summer. Which I think he does every year.
Another added: ‘It’s pretty clear how much important to keep Ronaldo in United. Look Sir Alex Ferguson, Bryan Robson, Richard Arnold are today at Carrington to talk to Ronaldo not leave this summer.
‘I think United are desperate to keep him.’
One fan simply stated the Scot might just be attending Carrington to meet the new signings
Another supporter believes it shows how important United feel about keeping Ronaldo
The Red Devils have signed three players so far this summer, despite a delayed start to their business in the market.
They have completed deals for Christian Eriksen, who joined for free after his short-term contract expired at Brentford, after luring Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and signed versatile centre-back Lisandro Martinez for £55million from Ajax.
It has also been confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson is attending a scheduled football board meeting with David Gill and Richard Arnold.
