Ten Hag drops a hint over Ronaldo's future at Man United

The incoming Red Devils boss has hinted that CR7 will be a central part of his plans for next season.

Erik ten Hag has said that he wants to make the Manchester United team function with the ‘giant’ Cristiano Ronaldo in it.

The new Red Devils manager made this admission following Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Vitesse. It was his final match in charge of Ajax, just four days after lifting the Eredivisie title. He now plans to start work at Old Trafford on Monday.

Naturally, Ten Hag didn’t give too much away about his priorities when speaking to reporters but claimed that he wants Ronaldo to be a key part of his plans.

🗣 "A manager's job is especially focused on the preparations for next season. And there's a lot of work to be done in that regard."

Erik ten Hag confirms he won't be joining Ajax on their postseason trip pic.twitter.com/9ryyXevttn

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 16, 2022

“From tomorrow [Monday], my focus will be on United, and I will of course get deep into things there,” the Dutchman said on De Telegraaf.

“What I have to say about it is, the detailed analysis still has to begin, I still have to work with the team, but let me be clear that at United there are a lot of good players around. We have to make them function as a team but definitely Ronaldo, he is a giant.”

Ten Hag added: “I am looking forward to working with him. Ronaldo is a giant, because of what he has already shown, and I think he is still very ambitious. Of course, I want to keep him in.

“He has been very important for Manchester United this year and can show great statistics.”

Despite the troubles Manchester United have faced this term, Ronaldo has still impressed. The 37-year-old has scored 24 goals in all competitions, including 18 in the Premier League alone. He is under contract at the Theatre of Dreams for another season, with an option of an additional year included.

Meanwhile, Ralf Rangnick is expected to stay in charge as interim coach for Manchester United’s final game of the season away to Crystal Palace this coming Sunday.