UK Government Reject Manchester United’s Request for Ronaldo To Be Given ‘special’ Exemption From COVID-19 Isolation

The UK government has rejected Manchester United’s request to exempt new star signing Cristiano Ronaldo from isolating when he returns to the country.

Cristiano Ronaldo must now isolate for five days before he is allowed to train with Manchester United according to the UK Government.

Ronaldo completed a move back to Old Trafford after 12 years away from the club on Transfer Deadline Day, signing a two-year contract with the option of a third after United agreed a €15 million fee with Juventus for him.

After being announced as a United player on Tuesday, August 31, the 36-year-old featured for Portugal against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday in Faro, Portugal in a Fifa World Cup qualifier.

He traveled to England on Thursday, September 2, after he was given permission by the Portuguese FA and following the UK’s decision, he will have to isolate like any other person flying from Portugal to the UK.

Ronaldo is expected to arrive in Manchester on Friday, meaning he won’t be able to join training with United until Wednesday at the earliest — just three days before their next Premier League clash against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo will have to test negative for COVID-19 on the second and fifth day of his return in order to be released from isolation and then be allowed to train with his new teammates.