Erik Ten Hag confirmed on Wednesday at press conference that Cristiano Ronaldo will be staying at Manchester United this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo was named Manchester United player of the year last season after scoring 24 goals in 39 appearances for Manchester United. The five time ballon D’or winner was rumored to be seeking a move from the Old Trafford.
The Portuguese international was linked to numerous clubs including Chelsea,Napoli, Bayern Munich and Roma.
However, Erik Ten Hag has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo is going to play Manchester United this season and see through his contract at the club.
What did Erik Ten Hag say about his conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo?
“From the start, we said we planned with him,” Erik Ten Hag revealed.
“We’re happy with him, he’s happy to be here and we want to make the season a success together.”
Erik Ten Hag said when asked if he has spoked with Cristiano Ronaldo over his current situation as United: “Several times, yes. We’re all on one page. The way of playing sets the demands. You can see in training that it’s clear that he has the capabilities. He will fit in because – I don’t have to explain. He’s such a great player. He will fit in every system or every style.”
Manchester United has started only one game for Manchester United this season and has been a substitute in their last three games. The Red Devils have more than five players who are capable of playing in an attacking position.
Asked if Ronaldo is adopting his style of play, the former Dutch international said: “Yes, that’s clear.
“That’s why we are talking, I said we are on one page. He knows what the demands are.
“It’s good that there’s competition.
“I think it’s natural in a top club – this situation has to be there. You have to push players to the highest levels. I’m sure the players are happy with it as well. We need players. You cannot cover all the games with the same players. You have to manage it. Who you need for certain games, to keep them fit and also to keep them in shape. Now we have that opportunity to choose and I’m lucky that we have that situation.”
Manchester United has spend over £220 million this summer. But Erik Ten Hag has defender Manchester United summer spending.
Erik Ten hag explained: All the top clubs spent a lot of money in the summer. That’s how the market has developed. I can’t do anything about it. Nobody can do anything about it. It’s the market. We have to accept it. If you want to compete at the top, you don’t have a choice. All the clubs spent this kind of money. If you want to fight for the top four positions, you have to do it. We have the ambition, especially in the long-term, to play for trophies. We had to do this, I think.”
Manchester United will play Leicester City tonight at the King Power Stadium. The Red Devils will hope to continue their current winning streak.