Less than 48 hours remain of this summer’s transfer window and it’s safe to say that it’s been a hectic one for new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman has signed four players thus far and another two players are expected to complete moves imminently, with deals for Antony and Martin Dubravka advancing.
In terms of outgoings, the biggest story of the summer has been Cristiano Ronaldo’s future. The 37-year-old has tried to engineer a move away from the club but that wish has failed to materialise.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also been the subject of intense speculation, with the former Crystal Palace man losing his place to Diogo Dalot over the summer.
Now, speaking ahead of Thursday night’s game at Leicester, Ten Hag has confirmed that both Wan-Bissaka will remain at the club and he once again confirmed that Ronaldo is still in his plans – as his stance has been all summer.
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“Aaron (Wan-Bissaka) will stay in. This squad we will go from September to minimum January,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying by the The Athletic.
“Yes of course,” Ten Hag said when asked if Ronaldo is staying. “We need quality players. You need more to cover all the games and keep the consistency going, that is what we strive for.”
SN’s verdict…
Finding a suitor for Ronaldo has been a challenge this summer, as his agency has found out. His astronomical wages and his age are hardly helpful.
Ten Hag has maintained that Ronaldo is a player he would like to keep but you must wonder whether that stance is softer in private.
As things stand, Ronaldo has slipped behind both Anthony Martial and Anthony Elanga in the pecking order. Perhaps that will change when the transfer window closes and Ronaldo can focus on strictly football.
