Erik ten Hag is beginning to exert his authority at Manchester United.
The former Ajax boss, who arrived at Old Trafford earlier this summer, is in the process of preparing for a hugely important opening campaign.
The 20-time league winners endured their worst ever Premier League campaign last season under interim boss Ralf Rangnick and keen to avoid a repeat performance, ten Hag will know that he has to get his lacklustre Red Devils fit and firing.
The Dutchman’s cause has not been helped by superstar attacker Cristiano Ronaldo though.
The former Real Madrid Galactico, who still has 12 months left on his deal at United, is rumoured to want out following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2022-23 Champions League.
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Finding a new club is proving difficult though. Super-agent Jorge Mendes previously held talks with new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, but as we exclusively reported at the time, the Blues were always unlikely to make a formal approach.
However, while Mendes works around the clock trying to find his star client a new home, United have remained consistent in their stance that the 37-year-old is not for sale.
What has Erik ten Hag said about Cristiano Ronaldo?
Surprisingly though, despite publicly appearing keen to retain the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, ten Hag has displayed the first signs of frustration.
Ronaldo last featured for United during a pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford last weekend.
Having been subbed off, the former Juventus attacker, who was joined by other players, was then spotted departing the stadium before the game’s final whistle.
Breaking his silence on the incident, ten Hag, who spoke to ViaPlay (as quoted by AD), said: “I certainly don’t condone this. This is unacceptable. For everyone. We are a team and you have to stay until the end.”
Please allow CR7 to go any where he wishes to go, enough of all this. New manager, new team, new season ok, so please just let ManUnited move. Ronaldo’s blood is already Red and always will be, in the future if need be, ‘ll still find his way back home.
His salary is way too high for most clubs. I think he’ll stay, and still bang in goals for club and country.
What nonsense. He is a mercenary. Get rid of him. He is toxic.
This guy should better go back to Sporting club de Portugal. Accept a wage cut (you earned enough and proved enough) show some love for the club that made you the player you are. You have nothing more to prove just like Messi, but being so improfessional with Utd is not good mate.. Actually now that I mention it I would’ve loved seeing you play together at PSG even if it was for only 1 season.
I’m an Arsenal supporter but still best off luck for this season although I don’t see it happen. UTD is not a team (yet) but some great individuals.
Imho.