Manchester United’s stance on Cristiano Ronaldo stays firm, says Ten Hag
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reiterated that Cristiano Ronaldo remains not for sale. The Dutch coach has made it clear that the club does not plan to part ways with the Portuguese star, emphasizing that his focus remains on helping the team grow. Ten Hag explained that Ronaldo joined Manchester United with the intention of working alongside him, and that no changes to that plan have occurred since the start. He noted that Ronaldo still has a one-year contract with the club and that the question of whether he will stay beyond this season is answered with a confident yes for now. These remarks came amid questions about the team’s direction in a season that has already tested its ambitions. The manager’s comments were reported by ESPN and reflect a broader commitment to Ronaldo’s role within the squad.
Last season brought a difficult chapter for Manchester United, as the club finished sixth in the Premier League and failed to secure a spot in the Champions League. That outcome has influenced Ronaldo’s considerations about his future in England, given his stated drive to compete for major titles. Despite his long career and persistent desire for silverware, questions about whether United can deliver those trophies in the near term continue to surface. Ronaldo, who returned to United in the autumn of 2021, contributed significantly during the 2021/22 campaign. He appeared in 39 matches, netting 24 goals and adding three assists across all competitions. The 37-year-old striker has repeatedly highlighted his priority to win titles, and at present he must weigh whether the club’s trajectory aligns with that goal.
Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford marked a high-profile chapter for both the player and the club. His impact on and off the pitch has been substantial, yet the recent season’s results have cast a shadow over his long-term plans in English football. Ten Hag’s leadership style and strategic approach are central to shaping United’s path forward as the squad seeks to reclaim a place among Europe’s elite. The possibility of Ronaldo continuing to play a pivotal role at United depends on a complex mix of performance, squad development, and the club’s competitive ambitions in a crowded field of top clubs. Observers note that Ten Hag’s insistence on stability around Ronaldo underscores a broader philosophy: maintaining proven contributors while building a team capable of sustained success. The manager’s public affirmations aim to provide clarity for supporters and players alike, even as conversations about transfer windows and future signings persist. (ESPN)
In another development, Oliver Kahn, the former chief executive of Bayern Munich, addressed questions about whether Cristiano Ronaldo could pursue a move to the German giants. While Kahn’s comments reflect the ongoing speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s next destination, they also illustrate how top clubs continually monitor the star’s availability and fit within their tactical plans. The Bayern context adds another layer to a conversation that remains highly relevant to fans, analysts, and executives who watch every twist in Ronaldo’s remarkable career. (ESPN)