How do I pull a repository origin master branch ( that I cloned) without using a push?

Question

I cloned a repository from GitLab using SSH, using Visual Studio's Clone Or Check Out Code option.

When I open the solution in Visual Studio I want to pull the latest version of the repository.

However the pull option is disabled in The Team Explorer Synchronization. There is a message

The current branch does not track a remote branch. 

I want to be sure I can't write to a particular repository. (I have read only access anyway) Thus I am very confused by the advice here that I have to set up a push.

I am using VS 16.1.6

I understand that a pull is the same as a fetch followed by a merge. I can fetch but can't see how to merge using VS either.

Answer 1

Something must have gone wrong with my original clone. I made a new clone and the pull option is available.