The UK government have rejected Manchester United's request for Cristiano Ronaldo to be exempt from isolation when he returns to the country, according to a report.
The 36-year-old scored two late goals in Portugal's 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday, but was booked for taking his shirt off in celebration, meaning he is suspended for his country's next World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Tuesday.
With only a friendly against Qatar between the games, Portugal boss Fernando Santos has agreed to release Ronaldo from international duty early and he is set to arrive in Manchester on Friday.
However, the Manchester Evening News states that the forward must isolate for five days in line with government regulations after Man United's request for an 'elite sportsman exemption' was denied.
Ronaldo will have to test negative for COVID-19 on the second day and fifth day in order to be able to join up with his new teammates ahead of the Red Devils' Premier League fixture against Newcastle United on September 11.
The 36-year-old would have missed the game had he not been able to leave Portugal duty early.
Ronaldo's two late headers against Ireland on Wednesday made him the highest goalscorer of all time in men's international football.
Olly Allen
