With just over 72 hours remaining before United begin their 2022/23 campaign, all is far from well at Old Trafford. A calamitous transfer window has been paired with Cristiano Ronaldo, the club’s top scorer last season, seeking a move elsewhere.
Ronaldo made his first appearance of pre-season last week – a 45-minute cameo against Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano. His return to Old Trafford was underwhelming and in vintage Ronaldo style, his post-match actions became headline news.
Ronaldo was one of several players to leave Old Trafford before the final whistle had blown, something Erik ten Hag labeled as ‘unacceptable’ in a subsequent interview.
Now, the United manager has commented on Ronaldo again, insisting that the 37-year-old is capable of adapting to his style of play, as seen below.
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“I think he can,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports when quizzed on how Ronaldo fits into his plans. “But his target is to get fit. He just started and he is a fantastic football player.
“He proved it so many times but you get always judged what you are presenting now, performing now. So, the team, and Cristiano himself has to prove it.”
It remains unclear whether Ronaldo will be in the squad to face Brighton on Sunday but he is highly unlikely to start the game, with Anthony Martial’s efforts in pre-season deserving of a starting berth.
