Ruud van Nistelrooy has reported back to Manchester United for his first day of pre-season training.

The 30-year-old striker has asked to leave Old Trafford, and there had been specualtion he would not turn up for training – but he arrived at Carrington on time.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are interested in signing the 30-year-old but with no deal done Ferguson warned the player that he must report for training.

“Ruud knows to report on Monday. I expect him to be there,” Ferguson had said when asked about van Nistelrooy returning to the club.

Ferguson had earlier revealed that Van Nistelrooy has asked to leave United three times since May 2005.

“Ruud asked away before the Arsenal FA Cup final last year, then asked away through his representative, and has now asked away himself in writing,” he told the News of the World.

“Quite frankly, if he wants to leave, there really is no point trying to persuade him to stay.

“I couldn’t tell you why he wants to leave or why his heart isn’t in it – all I can tell you is that he has asked away and we have accepted that.

“They (Real Madrid) have made an offer, we have rejected it.

“If they don’t come back in and increase their offer, he won’t be going and I would be content with that. It would not bother me one bit.”

Bernabeu vice-president Juan Mendoza said last week: “We are not going to drive ourselves crazy trying to meet valuations which don’t bear any relation to the market.

“We’re about to reach the point where we break off all negotiations even though the player clearly wants to play for us.

“It’s time to make it clear to Manchester United that Real Madrid are not going to be held to ransom over exorbitant prices.”

New Real boss Fabio Capello has said “there is no question that I want Van Nistelrooy” but with doubts over the fee Bayern seem to think they are in the driving seat.

The Bundesliga outfit have confirmed holding talks with the player.

“He wants to come to us. Now the ball’s in Manchester United’s court,” Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness told the club’s website on Sunday.

And Bayern club president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told the Bild newspaper: “Ruud has told us he would like to play for us next season. We have already spoken about money with him but it would be United who will finally decide.”