‘Let the circus begin’ – Man Utd legend Paul Scholes responds to Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer saga

PAUL SCHOLES is ready for “the circus” to begin as Cristiano Ronaldo’s summer transfer saga hots up.

The Manchester United star failed to show up for pre-season training on Monday as expected, having been set for talks with new boss Erik ten Hag.

Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is up in the air[/caption]

EPA

Paul Scholes is ‘ready for the circus’[/caption]

Ronaldo, 37, is now on “indefinite leave” due to family reasons, with the Red Devils giving him all the time he needs.

The Portuguese forward wants to leave Old Trafford to compete for big trophies during the twilight years of his career, but United are reluctant to let him go.

Figures within the club are unsure as to whether Ronaldo will jet out with the rest of the team on Friday for their tour of Thailand and Australia.

Commenting on the uncertainty, Scholes wrote on his Instagram page: “Let the circus begin.”

Scholes’ comment came after former team-mate Gary Neville urged his old side to “act quickly and decisively” to avoid a full blown summer transfer saga.

Chelsea are among the sides interested in Ronaldo, although the Red Devils’ are particularly reluctant to sell to another English team.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted that he had dinner with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes on Monday night, claiming that it’s “nice to know” that he is available.

United’s No7 is said to be upset with his side’s lack of activity in the transfer market.

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They sealed their first signing of the summer yesterday, confirming the arrival of Tyrell Malacia for £12.9million.

Christian Eriksen is set to follow, with Lisandro Martinez, Frenkie de Jong and Antony also of interest.

Ronaldo is also claimed to be upset by the 25 per cent pay decrease stars have taken in the wake of their side’s failure to finish in the top four.

Skipper Harry Maguire liked a post on Instagram about Ronaldo being upset by the decrease, although it has since been claimed that he did so by mistake.

Ronaldo is the poster boy for United’s pre-season tour, with plenty of promotional material featuring the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

But organisers have now been left scrambling with his participation in doubt.