Erik ten Hag finally reveals his plans for Cristiano Ronaldo
New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he wants Cristiano Ronaldo to stay and has described the 37-year-old talisman as a ‘giant’.
Having overseen his final game at Ajax on Sunday, Ten Hag is set to arrive in Manchester on Monday to begin his preparations before he officially starts work on July 1.
Ronaldo has scored 24 goals this season more than double anyone else in the squad – but there have been question marks over his future because of the club’s severe underperformance.
Ten Hag told De Telegraaf: “Ronaldo is a giant, because of what he’s already shown and I think he’s still very ambitious.
“Of course I would like to keep him. He’s been very important to Manchester United this year and can produce great statistics.”
Ronaldo has also revealed he’s looking forward to working under Ten Hag at Manchester United next season.
“What I know about him is he did a fantastic job for Ajax, that he’s an experienced coach,” Ronaldo said. “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.”