Erik ten Hag has expressed his desire to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United beyond this summer.
It was announced by The Athletic that the former Ajax boss had terminated his contract with the Dutch champions early to begin work with the Red Devils immediately.
Erik ten Hag Keen to Keep Ronaldo
“Ronaldo is a Giant”
In a recent interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, ten Hag spoke about Ronaldo, he said: “I look forward to working with Ronaldo. Ronaldo is a giant, because of everything he has shown so far and because of how ambitious he is.
“I want to keep him at Manchester United, of course. He has been very important for this club and can produce great stats.”
The former Real Madrid man has been a shining light in what is one of the darkest seasons in United’s history. The Portuguese international has 24 goals in 39 appearances this season, dragging the Red Devils to a spot in Europe next season.
Despite rumours of the 37-year-old leaving Old Trafford due to not getting Champions League football for next season, Ronaldo spoke positively of ten Hag’s appointment.
Speaking to manutd.com, Ronaldo said: “What I know about him is he did a fantastic job for Ajax, that he’s an experienced coach.
“But we need to give him time. Things need to change the way he wants.
“I hope we have success, of course, because, if you have success, all of Manchester is going to have success as well. I wish him the best.
“We are happy and excited, not only as players, but the supporters as well.
“I wish him the best and let’s believe that, next year, we are going to win trophies.”
Early Start for Erik ten Hag
With the Dutchman starting his work at Old Trafford early, he is aware of the challenges he has to face. He told De Telegraaf that he is keen to implement his staff and squad into the side:
“From the 16th of May, I am the manager of Manchester United.
“A lot has to happen in preparation of the new season, such as the implementation of the staff members and the squad for next season. I will make my mark on both and I want it to be done extremely carefully.”
Ten Hag will also want to get his transfer business done as early as possible. It is rumoured that Frenkie de Jong, Darwin Nunez and Jurrien Timber are on the Dutchman’s shopping list.
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