ERIK TEN HAG has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo is still very much part of his plans and has NOT asked him to leave Manchester United.
Ronaldo sent shockwaves throughout the football world last month when reports claimed that he wanted out, despite only returning to Old Trafford last summer.
The 37-year-old is desperate to play in the Champions League, and the Red Devils will not feature in the competition this season.
Ronaldo’s haul of 18 goals in 30 Premier League games wasn’t enough to prevent United from finishing sixth in the competition last term.
Matters between the club and player were further strained when Ronaldo left before United’s pre-season clash with Rayo Vallecano ended.
And he cut a forlorn figure as he started on the bench in the Red Devils’ loss against Brighton.
READ MORE MAN UNITED NEWS
But Ten Hag insists all is fine between Ronaldo and United, contrary to media speculation.
He responded when asked if it would be wise to start the Portuguese ace who wants supposedly wants to leave in Saturday’s match against Brentford: “That is your assumption. That is not what he is telling me.
“So I deal with the players we have and we plan with him for this season and we are happy with him and we have to fit him into the team.
“So he has to come at the right fitness levels so that he can do the job that we expect him to do.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
“In every press conference, we already confirmed that he is in our plans. We plan with him so we also plan around him.”
Ten Hag may have no choice but to turn to Ronaldo following United’s dismal 2-1 defeat to Brighton.
It’s likely Ten Hag will re-structure the team with Ronaldo leading the line, possibly accompanied by Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga on the flanks.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
