Erik ten Hag comments on Cristiano Ronaldo’s form as Manchester United eyes a renewed run
Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag weighed in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent performance, as reported by Sky Sports News via social channels. The Dutch manager did not mince words, noting that Ronaldo does not appear to be at the same level as the rest of the squad due to a prolonged spell away from training and match practice. Ten Hag stressed that the Portuguese forward needs competitive minutes and intensive work to regain his top form and confidence on the field.
The club has scheduled a meeting for July 31, with a kickoff that evening set for 18:00 Moscow time. This timing situates the club’s preparation in a busy summer period, where players work to align fitness, tactical understanding, and squad depth ahead of the new season.
Last season, Manchester United finished sixth in the Premier League standings and did not secure a spot in the Champions League. The result has been a talking point among supporters and pundits about Ronaldo’s future at the club, especially given his longstanding ambition to win major titles. The status of Ronaldo’s stay at United remains uncertain as the team contends with a demanding schedule and the pressure to compete at the highest level in England and Europe.
Ronaldo first returned to Manchester United in the autumn of 2021, a decision that marked a new chapter for both the player and the club. Across the 2021/22 campaign, Ronaldo appeared in 39 matches for United, contributing 24 goals and recording 3 assists. Those numbers underscored his enduring effectiveness and his role as a focal point for the team’s attacking plans. Throughout that period, Ronaldo repeatedly stated that winning titles was his priority, yet questions linger about whether the club’s trajectory could meet his ambitions in the near term.
Amid conversations about squad balance and leadership, former United manager Erik ten Hag signaled that Ronaldo would be considered for a competitive fixture against Rayo Vallecano, a Spaniard club known for pressing style and technical proficiency. This potential involvement would reflect the manager’s broader strategy of integrating experienced players with emerging talents as United rebuilds under new tactical directions.