Man Utd Star Cristiano Ronaldo Dismisses 'Fake' Reports Linking Him With Sporting Lisbon Return

Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed reports linking him with a shock return to boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.

Ronaldo's future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks following reports he has informed Manchester United he wants to leave this summer if a suitable offer arrives.

Chelsea and Bayern Munich were among a number of clubs reportedly interested in signing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

But both teams have since cooled their interest, with Ronaldo seemingly running out of options.

On Sunday, a sensational report claimed Ronaldo could be set for a return to Portuguese football after a car purportedly belonging to the 37-year-old was spotted outside the Estadio Jose Alvalade, Sporting's home ground.

But Ronaldo has since rubbished claims he is considering a move back to his boyhood club.

Commenting on Sport TV Portugal's social media post of the car allegedly belonging to him, Ronaldo said: "Fake."

Ronaldo's denial will do little to stop the speculation surrounding his future.

Ronaldo has rubbished reports linking him with a return to Sporting (Image: Instagram/Sport TV Portugal)

He is currently training alone ahead of the new season having been left out of Manchester United's squad for their ongoing tour of Thailand and Australia.

United manager Erik ten Hag insists Ronaldo remains firmly part of his plans for the new season.

"We are planning with Ronaldo for this season - that's it. I'm looking forward to working with him," said Ten Hag.

Asked if Ronaldo wants to leave, Ten Hag added: "He hasn't told me this. I have read, but as I say, Cristiano is not for sale, he's in our plans and we want to get success together.

Ronaldo has informed United he wants to leave this summer if a suitable offer arrives (Image: Alamy)

"I spoke with him before this issue came up. I had a conversation with him and had a real good talk."

Ten Hag's immediate attention will be focused on the club's next pre-season match against Crystal Palace at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

It remains to be seen if Ronaldo will still be part of the squad when United open their Premier League campaign against Brighton on August 7.

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Football, Premier League, Sporting Lisbon, Sporting CP, Manchester United, Transfers

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan