Erik ten Hag addresses Cristiano Ronaldo future ahead of Liverpool clash
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo remains ‘in the club’s plans’ amid speculation about his future.
Manchester United head coach Eric ten Hag insisted Cristiano Ronaldo remains ‘in the club’s plans’ as speculation surrounding the Portugal international continues.
The 37-year-old is believed to still be pushing to leave Old Trafford before the transfer deadline Borussia Dortmund and Sporty Lisbon the latest clubs to be linked to its services.
According to a recent report, Sporting are now at the front of the queue for the forward and the Portuguese giants are working to re-sign him before the transfer window closes.
However, Ronaldo continues to train with Man United as usual and will feature in the Premier League on Monday Liverpool Assuming he’s still at the club.
The striker looked frustrated at the end of last weekend’s 4-0 defeat at Brentford and there have been question marks over his attitude on and around the training ground ever since.
©Reuters
However, Ten Hag has taken the focus off Ronaldo after the four-goal defeat and the Man United manager said the attacker remains “in the club’s plans” when questioned on Friday.
“I don’t know why he’s the main focus after Saturday. It was the team effort and the attitude of the whole team, including Ronaldo. He’s in our plans, I can say that,” Ten Hag told reporters.
The agent of the Portuguese Jorg Mendes is said to have been in talks with a number of Champions League clubs about a move at his client, who is keen to continue playing in Europe’s premier cup competition.
However, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan are believed to be among the teams turning down the chance to sign the Portuguese this summer.
Ronaldo came off the bench in Man United’s 2-1 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season, before playing the full 90 minutes in the final game against Brentford.
©Reuters
The 20-time English champions are preparing for Monday’s clash with Liverpool and a win over the Reds would see them rise above their rivals in the Premier League.
“We work game by game and now it’s Liverpool. Of course we know what’s going on when you play against Liverpool and especially when you play against Manchester United,” Ten Hag told reporters before the game.
“So of course you have to be ready, but you also have to get a point again, you have to fight your way into the season. But it varies from game to game.
“I know we are the rivals. We have to win every game but especially this game, yes I know. Every game is different. So a different approach but the philosophy and the plan will be the same.”
Anthony Martial is back from a hamstring problem and should feature in the squad against Liverpool but it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman will be thrown straight into the starting XI, possibly at the expense of Ronaldo.