Cristiano Ronaldo has heaped pressure on Erik ten Hag to start him against Brighton despite reports he is still seeking a route out of Manchester United.

Ronaldo, 37, has made no secret of the fact that he wants to leave Old Trafford during the current transfer window. The Red Devils failure to secure Champions League football is thought to be driving his ambition to play elsewhere in 2022-2023. The Portugal international returned to the club last summer to much fanfare.

But, despite finding the net with regularity, he was unable to inspire the side to land any silverware. Ronaldo appeared to down tools during pre-season, missing tours to both Asia and Australia.

And he played just 45 minutes of a 1-1 draw with Spanish side Rayo Vallecano last Sunday. The former Real Madrid ace appeared to blot his copybook by leaving the ground before the final whistle.

And reports this week claimed he would start on the bench against the Seagulls. Whether or not that would go down well with the United faithful is open to debate.

And Ronaldo seems to have stirred the pot with an Instagram post on Saturday evening. He posted a picture of himself from his first-half display against Vallecano with the word ‘Ready’ down the side.