Ten Hag on LIVE conference: Ronaldo is still in our plans, he misses training for personal reasons; Maguire will continue as Man Utd captain in the next season
Erik Ten Hag: “Cristiano Ronaldo is NOT for sale, he is in our plans – he’s not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season, that’s it”
“How to make Cristiano happy? I don’t know – I’m looking forward to work with him”.
The Man United boss also suggests that Maguire’s captaincy next season is undoubtful. He’ll kee his armband
Cristiano has let his desire to find a way out of the club be known, as he is desperate to play in the Champions League next season. The club, though, don’t appear concerned by his wishes and plan to have him in their squad for 2022/23.
A lot has been said and written about the No.7 of late, as he has not turned up for Manchester United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.
“He is not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season. That is it,” said Ten Hag.
“I am looking forward to working with him. Cristiano is not for sale. He is in our plans. We want success together.
“I had a good talk [with Ronaldo]. That [what was said] is between Cristiano and me, what I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together.”
Continuing, the new coach confirmed that Harry Maguire will remain club captain despite the England international being a figure of ridicule from many supporters.
Ten Hag then discussed signings. Though insisting that he would not speak about Frenkie de Jong due to him being under contract with Barcelona, he was also asked about Christian Eriksen, who is thought to be very close to joining.
“We want to add the right players,” Ten Hag said. “We have a really good squad, we are working to develop our way of playing and the opportunity is there and we will strike.