Manchester United's African fans are set to miss out on seeing Cristiano Ronaldo in action.

The Sunday Mirror says Ronaldo will be left behind when Manchester United go on their pre-season tour to Africa.

Rather than take Ronaldo on tour in a bid to convince him his long-term future remains with United, manager Sir Alex Ferguson will allow him to stay home to begin pre-season training.

A United source said: "The decision has been taken because the manager wants to ensure Cristiano is fit for the start of the Premier League and doesn't suffer burn-out."