Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at home as Manchester United depart for Thailand

Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at home (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be on the plane to Thailand for the start of Manchester United’s pre-season tour as the star has been granted additional time off to deal with a family issue.

Over the weekend it emerged the 37-year-old had asked to leave Old Trafford if an acceptable offer arrived following a disappointing first season back with a club he won medals aplenty at between 2003 and 2009.