Erik Ten Hag Breaks Silence On Cristiano Ronaldo's Future At Manchester United
Incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag broken his silence on the future of Cristiano Ronaldo by describing the forward as a "giant" player for the Red Devils.
Ronaldo, 37, has scored 24 goals in 38 games in his first season since rejoining United last summer.
His future has been the subject of intense speculation since United failed to qualify for next season's Champions League.
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Despite his impressive goalscoring form this season, there were also doubts over whether Ronaldo would be part of Ten Hag's plans at Old Trafford.
However, the Dutchman - who was appointed as United manager on a deal until June 2025 last month - has made it clear that he admires Ronaldo.
Speaking after Ajax's final game of the season, a 2-2 draw with Vitesse on Sunday, Ten Hag said: "From tomorrow, my focus will be on United, and I will of course get deep into things there.
"What I have to say about it is, the detailed analysis still has to begin, I still have to work with the team, but let me be clear that at United there are a lot of good players around.
"We have to make them function as a team but definitely Ronaldo, he is a giant."
Ten Hag has reportedly terminated his Ajax contract six weeks early to focus on preparing for his new role at Old Trafford.
The 52-year-old met with United's football director John Murtough in Amsterdam in midweek to discuss the club's recruitment plans for the summer transfer window.
He is expected to arrive in Manchester the week after United play their final Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace this coming Sunday.
Ronaldo says he's looking forward to working with Ten Hag at Old Trafford next season.
"I know that he has done a fantastic job at Ajax, and that he is an experienced coach, but we have to give him time," Ronaldo told United's website.
"Things must change the way he wants. If you do well, all of Manchester United will succeed, so I wish you all the best.
"We are all happy and excited [with the arrival], not only as players, but as fans as well.
"We have to believe that next year we can win titles."
Topics: Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan