Erik ten Hag’s comments on Cristiano Ronaldo's future should not be believed, according to former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan.
Ronaldo has been making all the headlines since his shock transfer plea earlier in the month. And now, his future is yet to be resolved.
The 37-year-old did not travel to Thailand for the first part of Manchester United’s pre season tour, due to ‘personal/family reasons’.
Manager Ten Hag said during a press conference held in Bangkok that the Portuguese is part of his plans for the season.
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The Dutchman said: “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.”
Jordan however, doesn’t believe Ten Hag was telling the truth.
He told talkSPORT: “I can imagine Ten Hag can’t wait to get Ronaldo out the bleedin’ door, but he’s towing the party line for the positioning of how that exit happens.”
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“These guys will say certain things to ensure there’s a particular perspective put on it, so they can control as much of the process as they can.”
“It is nonsense that he has not gone on his tour for personal reasons. He hasn’t gone because he doesn’t want to be at Manchester United any more.”
Jordan then said Ten Hag cannot start his rebuild with Ronaldo at the club.
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He said: “Ten Hag won’t want it, he doesn’t need a revolution with a reluctant participant, especially one who will occupy far too many headlines he doesn’t need.”
“He needs to build a football club and he needs everyone to pull together, not to deal and cater with one individual who is coming to the end of his career and may score X amount of goals, but takes away something from the ability to compete at the top of the division because of the way you have to play with Ronaldo in your team.”
Away from Ronaldo, Ten Hag and his players are hard at work on the training pitch as the prepare for their first pre season friendly against arch rivals Liverpool.
It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will join the United squad for the next part of their pre season tour but with the new season fast approaching, the club have to sort out this situation as soon as possible.
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Where will Ronaldo be playing when the new campaign gets underway? Only time will tell.
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Cristiano Ronaldo, Simon Jordan
Marcus Chan