While his Manchester United team-mates were finishing their tour in monsoon conditions in Perth on Saturday, Cristiano Ronaldo posted a picture of himself on social media training in the gym in sunny Lisbon.
Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford will be one of the most pressing concerns for new manager Erik ten Hag when he gets back to Manchester, with the Dutchman not having spoken to the Portugal star since he asked to leave the club earlier this month.
It is three weeks since Ronaldo was granted time off to deal with a family problem and there is an acceptance at United that something has to give after they insisted the player is not for sale.
Although Ronaldo looked in good shape in the photo he posted on Twitter while United were playing out a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, the 37-year-old has not done the same pre-season preparation as his team-mates or had any time to work with the new manager, with two weeks to go until United start the new season against Brighton.
‘It is the same as last week,’ said Ten Hag when asked about the situation with Ronaldo and whether he is concerned that the Portugal star is running out of time to be fit.
‘Of course. But concerning is maybe not the right word. I focus on the players who are there, they are doing really well, they are in good shape.
'I prefer to focus on that and develop that. I cannot wait for him to come in, then we will integrate him.’
Anthony Martial has already been told he is staying, and is set to lead the line in Ronaldo’s absence after impressing on the club’s tour of Thailand and Australia with three goals in three games.
The Frenchman has combined well with Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford in the wins over Liverpool, Melbourne and Crystal Palace.
‘You see they connect really good together,’ added Ten Hag.
‘I think when you see that you are lucky as a manager, the team is lucky. We have a threat, we have weapons, and we have to improve that every day, to develop that.’