Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has made his feelings clear regarding the uncertainties surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.
According to Sky Sports, new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has opened up on the uncertainties that surrounds the future of Cristiano Ronaldo at the Theatre of Dreams this summer.
The 37-year-old is one of the best players in the history of the game and made a much-publicised return to Old Trafford last summer. Ronaldo, to his credit, found the back of the net 24 times and was the lone saving grace in a Manchester United side that otherwise endured a forgettable season.
With UEFA Champions League football not on the table, Ronaldo has failed to commit his future to the club. The veteran is keen to continue playing at the top level and does not appear to have intentions of spending the final years of his career playing in the UEFA Europa League.
Ronaldo’s situation has attracted attention elsewhere, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich touted as potential destinations. Manchester United, for their part, are ready to listen to offers, but their public stance says otherwise. That is to be expected, given the stature Ronaldo has at the club and among its fans.
Erik Ten Hag: "Cristiano Ronaldo is NOT for sale, he is in our plans – he's not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season, that's it". ?? #MUFC
"How to make Cristiano happy? I don't know – I'm looking forward to work with him". pic.twitter.com/8bSRpQbXkI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2022
Erik ten Hag has now given his views on the matter. The Manchester United boss has, in no uncertain terms, revealed that the 37-year-old remains a part of his plans for the upcoming season. He went on to add that Ronaldo is not for sale and has a role to play in the club’s potential success next season.
“I have read, but as I say, Cristiano is not for sale, he’s in our plans and we want to get success together.”
Given that ten Hag and Ronaldo had a discussion about the future, the Dutch manager is a good authority on the matter. Regardless of whether the 37-year-old stays or not, playing down a potential parting of the ways this summer will help maintain morale in the Manchester United squad going into the 2022/23 campaign.
“I spoke with him before this issue came up. I had a conversation with him and had a real good talk.”
Ronaldo is a match-winner and still has a few years left at the top. A certified Manchester United legend, a parting of the ways could tarnish his flawless reputation. The veteran was not included in the club’s pre-season squad and one can make of it what they will.
Manchester United are better off not keeping players who are not completely committed to the cause, regardless of their standing at the club. With or without Ronaldo, they cannot afford to be stuck in the past.
