CRISTIANO RONALDO has been impressed by Richard Arnold's handling of his transfer request, according to reports.
The Manchester United star wants to leave Old Trafford this summer and has not travelled on their pre-season tour for "family reasons".
United have privately grown resigned to losing Ronaldo this summer.
But chief executive Arnold is reportedly doing all he can to convince the 37-year-old to stay.
The 51-year-old has accelerated efforts to improve the Red Devils' squad.
Alongside football director John Murtough, Arnold has been in Barcelona in recent days attempting to get a deal over the line for Frenkie de Jong.
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The Dutchman is Erik ten Hag's top target, although the transfer has hit a snag over money he is owed by Barcelona.
Arnold and Murtough met with Barca chiefs including director of football Mateu Alemany in a bid to finally come up with an agreement.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, has been pleased with how Arnold has allowed his representatives to explore possible moves.
According to The Times, Ronaldo's agents have been granted permission to talk to other clubs – including Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
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Ten Hag, 52, has spoken for the first time since Ronaldo's desire to leave came to light.
Addressing the issue from United's pre-season tour in Thailand, the Dutchman said: "I have read [that he wants to leave], but what I say is Cristiano is not for sale.
"He is in our plans and we want success together. I’m looking forward to working with him."
On why the Portuguese isn't with the team, Ten Hag added: "He’s not with us due to a personal issue.
"I spoke with him before this issue came up, I had a good talk with him then. [What was said] is between Cristiano and me, but I can confirm we had a really good conversation together."
Ronaldo wants to leave Man United in order to contend for trophies in the final years of his career.
But he and his family have also gone through a testing period in Manchester since the tragic death of his baby son during childbirth earlier this year.
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Without their No7, United are set to play Liverpool later today in their first pre-season match.
The rivals will face off at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.
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