Soccer Football – English Premier League – Manchester United v Watford – Old Trafford, Manchester, England – February 26, 2022 Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts REUTERS / Craig Brough
New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said on Monday that Cristiano Ronaldo was “not for sale”, despite the Portuguese superstar skipping pre-season tours in Thailand and Australia.
Ronaldo missed training session starting with the English Premier League giants last week because of family issues.
The 37-year-old did not board the plane for the pre-season trip, with reports saying he wanted to leave after United failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Speaking ahead of the Old Trafford side’s first pre-season friendly against Liverpool in Bangkok on Tuesday, Ten Hag said: “We’re planning Cristiano Ronaldo for the season and that’s it and I looking forward to working with him.
“I’ve read it, but what I’m saying is Cristiano is not for sale, he’s in our plans and we want to be successful together.”
United’s new Dutch manager has revealed he spoke to the worried striker before reports emerged last week that he wanted to leave.
Ten Hag said: “I spoke to him before this issue came up.
“I had a chat with him and we had a really good talk.”
However, he refused to be drawn into the nature of the conversation, saying it was “between Cristiano and me”.
Ronaldo is said to have asked to leave after being unhappy with the club’s poor form since his return to Manchester last year – they are sixth in the Premier League, predicting them relegation to the second division Europa League next season.
Ten Hag only arrived at United in May after finishing a successful spell at Ajax – but face the huge challenge of rebuilding the Old Trafford side, which has not won a trophy since. 2017.
Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions last season and was named the club’s Player of the Year.
Ten Hag also said that England defender Harry Maguire will remain club captain.
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