Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag has been forced to accept he will have to plan his squad without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Upon taking the job, Ten Hag made it clear he was looking forward to working with Ronaldo and was confident he could build a winning team around his unique talents.

But the 37-year-old has stunned Old Trafford chiefs, by demanding to quit the club less than one year after his emotional return from Juventus.

While Ronaldo maintained his incredible goal scoring last season, United endured a poor campaign which saw them collect their lowest ever Premier League points tally.

Ronaldo however has no intention of playing in the Europa League and wants to join a team playing in the Champions League next season.

According to The UK Sun, United were initially confident they could convince Ronaldo to stay and see out the final year of his contract.

After missing the start to pre-season training due to “family reasons”, the Red Devils are now resigned to losing the Portugal captain who appears to have little intention of joining the rest of the squad for their upcoming tour of the Far East and Australia.