Erik ten Hag has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo could stay at Manchester United beyond the expiry of his contract with the club and that the Portuguese is able to fit into his high pressure style.
Speculation has revolved around Ronaldo’s future since it was revealed he had made clear his desire to abandon those at Old Trafford. The 37-year-old has one year left on his contract and, as he has not joined United’s pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia for personal reasons, he was expected to be released. of the club to which he joined less than a year. a year before the start of the next campaign.
However, Ten Hag has made it clear since he became United’s coach that Ronaldo is part of his plans for the 2022-23 season and went further in an interview before United’s match against Crystal Palace in the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday, suggesting the player could stay. in situ beyond that, too.
“I am well informed, you also have an option [for a further season]”Yes,” said the Dutchman. [Ronaldo could stay beyond this season]. Of course I’ve been signed here for three years, but in football it’s also short-term. We have to win from the beginning. So I don’t look that far. “
Ten Hag has not yet spoken to Ronaldo, but has made it clear that he remains relaxed with the situation, as well as the player’s lack of preparation for the new season. “We all know Ronaldo is a great professional and he will be fit, that is the last concern I have,” he insisted.
A Manchester United fan shows his love for Cristiano Ronaldo against Melbourne Cricket Ground, where United face Crystal Palace on Tuesday. Ronaldo will not be there because he is not part of United’s pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia. Photography: Matthew Ashton / AMA / Getty Images
The coach is also confident that Ronaldo may be the spearhead of his attack despite last season’s statistics on pressure, sprint and pace of work suggesting the veteran is ill-suited to the way Ten Hag played with Ajax and will certainly want to replicate in Old. Trafford. “Cristiano is able to do it [pressing from the front]. In his career he has shown everything, “Ten Hag said.” We want to play a certain way. A top player can contribute and Ronaldo is the best player in our squad. “
However, somewhat contradicting himself, Ten Hag also suggested that adding Ronaldo to his team will inevitably involve compromising his principles. “Players dictate how they play. Especially players who score goals because they are very important to a team, “the 52-year-old said.” You build your team around them. “