ERIK TEN HAG has thrown his support behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who is “in better shape now” after getting back on the scoresheet.
The forward’s future was in doubt throughout the summer as Ronaldo pushed for a move away.
And as a result, he missed pre-season and ultimately lost his place in Ten Hag’s starting XI.
But after Anthony Martial picked up an injury against Everton, Ronaldo replaced the Frenchman and then scored the winner.
Ten Hag said: “I want to support him as good as possible. We have certain demands from players, what we expect in certain positions.
“I want to get the best out of him, he’s in better shape now and I’m happy with that.
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“At the start, it was the case (lack of fitness), it’s proven once again, no one can miss a pre-season.”
Ronaldo, 37, is now expected to lead United’s front line against Cypriot Omonoia Nicosia FC at Old Trafford on Thursday.
But Martial, 26, will miss the Europa League game with a hip injury but was still pictured arriving at training.
Ten Hag said: “I’ve had several talks with him and I’m really disappointed for him.
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“All the minutes he has played well, even on Sunday the assist for Antony.
“The pressing was good, he was an important factor and played well.
“But obviously, he fell out and it’s disappointing for him and disappointing for the team as well. Of course, I want every player to be available.
“Sometimes it’s disappointing when they’re not available, especially with all the games coming up.
“When they’re not available you have to deal with the situation and I focus on the players available.”
Ten Hag also confirmed Harry Maguire, 29, Donny van de Beek, 25, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 24, are sidelined through injury.
United trail Real Sociedad in their Europa League group, following defeat by the Spanish side in September.
And Ten Hag warned his players must top their group, which they are currently three points off.
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He said: “We are going all out for the victory. It is Europe, it is tough. I told the players weeks ago, it was important to win the group.
“We want to win all the games, but it’s clear, we want to avoid that.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
