It has been well documented that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United before his contract expires next year.
Although Ronaldo has yet to rejoin the squad for pre-season due to personal reasons, Erik ten Hag remains confident (at least publicly) that the veteran goalscorer will be playing at Old Trafford next season.
Ten Hag even claimed Ronaldo could stay at United beyond his expiry of his contract with the club and that the 37-year-old is capable of fitting into his high-pressing style of football.
“I am well informed – he also has an option [for a further season],” Ten Hag said, as per The Guardian. “Yes, [Ronaldo could stay beyond this season]. Of course I have signed here for three years but in football it’s short term as well. We have to win from the start. So I don’t look that far ahead.”
That will obviously depend on whether Ronaldo stays this summer and what we achieve next season – because he won’t be extending that contract if United fail to qualify for the Champions League again.
Ten Hag has still not spoken with Ronaldo, but he must have a better understanding of his absence from pre-season tour than the rest of us, hence his remark about being well informed.
“We all know Ronaldo is a top professional and will be fit, that is the last concern I have,” he added.
The Dutchman believes Ronaldo can fit into his high-pressing style too, which Anthony Martial has done a good job at doing on tour this summer.
“We want to play in a certain way. A top player can contribute and Ronaldo is an absolute top player in our squad.”
Let us know in the comments section if you are confident Ronaldo will be at United next season after reading Ten Hag’s recent comments?
No player is bigger than the club.Just let him go if he wants to leave.This Ronaldo drama is counterproductive for a team on a critical rebuilding path like Utd.