Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has declared that Cristiano Ronaldo will spend the 2022/2023 at the club despite the superstar’s desire to leave.
Ronaldo, 37, has not reported for pre-season training since Ten Hag began his tenure two weeks ago and there are reports that the Portugal captain is keen to join another club where he can feature in the UEFA Champions League.
However, with one year left in his contract, Ten Hag has insisted that Ronaldo will not have his wish.
“He is not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season. That is it,” former Ajax manager Ten Hag told a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand today as his side prepared for their first pre-season friendly against Liverpool scheduled for tomorrow.
“I am looking forward to working with him. Cristiano is not for sale. He is in our plans. We want success together.”
Ronaldo has instead trained at the Portuguese national team’s headquarters but Ten Hag insisted that he had no issues with the former Real Madrid forward.
After Liverpool in Thailand tomorrow, Manchester United fly to Australia, and Ten Hag said he did not yet know whether Ronaldo would join the tour.
The Dutchman added he spoke to Ronaldo before the tour, explaining: “I had a good talk. That is between Cristiano and me. What I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together.”
Ten Hag also addressed the United captaincy, which has come under severe criticism from fans as a result of Harry Maguire’s poor form last season.
“Harry Maguire will be captain,” he said. “He has been captain for more than a year. He has achieved a lot of success. I have no doubts about this issue.”
United’s only signing this summer is full-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord, while they are on the verge of adding free agent midfielder Christian Eriksen and are close to an agreement with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong.
“We want to add the right players,” Ten Hag added.
“We have a really good squad, we are working to develop our way of playing and the opportunity is there and we will strike.”
