Erik ten Hag would be open to keeping Cristiano Ronaldo at the club, although the new manager may not build a team around the Portuguese superstar.
According to The Telegraph, Erik ten Hag has no problems with Cristiano Ronaldo staying at Manchester United, with the Dutchman reportedly keen to work with the Portuguese superstar. The forward has seen an upturn in form and remains the club’s top goalscorer this season.
There’s plenty of work to be done at Manchester United as Erik ten Hag takes over the reins from Ralf Rangnick when the season ends. The Dutch boss will reportedly oversee a squad overhaul, which includes bringing in the right players and letting those who do not feature in his plans leave.
While these elements have been made clear, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a subject of intense storytelling by the media, who have often posted contrasting reports. One section insists the Portugal international could depart due to a lack of Champions League football, while other insists the striker will remain at the club and see out his contract.
There were even reports that ten Hag does not intend to count on Ronaldo’s services next season, although now it’s claimed the Dutch manager wants the striker to stay put for another season. With 24 goals to his name this term, hardly anyone can question the Portugal forward’s quality as he remains in top shape and form.
Somehow, his goals could not help Manchester United with their top-four ambitions as they are only in contention for a Europa League or Conference League finish. However, ten Hag seemingly values what the Portuguese forward has to offer and will reportedly talk to him when he joins the club.
The report insists that Ten Hag will make some factors clear to the striker, as he does not plan to build a team around Ronaldo in the coming season. Moreover, the 37-year-old may not be guaranteed to start every game, and if those terms are acceptable, then there should not be problems with the superstar staying put.
Rangnick recently hoped Ronaldo stayed at Manchester United next season, although left the decision to the striker and ten Hag.
Ronaldo may have shown a decline in terms of his pace, but he remains fitter than some footballers ten years younger than him. He still has a year left on his deal with the club and could stay and see it out next season. If he stays put, then it will be the first time in 20 years the striker won’t play in the Champions League.
