Football News: Erik Ten Hag wins friendlies and clarifies for Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire and Frenkie de Jong

Despite rumours that Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United so he can keep competing in the Champions League, the new manager of Manchester United has said the striker wouldn't be departing this summer.

Ten Hag stated that he intends to include the 37-year-old in his team for the upcoming campaign. The United manager said staying at the club longer than that is possible, especially given the need to produce results immediately.

When asked about Ronaldo's contract and the fact that it has only one year remaining, Ten Hag said: "I am well informed; he also has also an option of another year."

"Yes (he could stay beyond this season), but to be honest, of course, I have signed here for three years, but in football, it's short-term as well. We have to win from the start. So I don't look that far ahead.

"I have a strategy; it's a process, it takes time, but in the end, we have to make sure from the outset there is a winning team."

Furthermore, he revealed that he hadn't spoken to Ronaldo since he went on tour in Thailand and Australia.

As Manchester United prepared for their next pre-season match against Crystal Palace in Melbourne, Ten Hag replied when asked if he had spoken to Ronaldo: "The same status as last week in Bangkok. No change."

Despite Ronaldo's fame, Ten Hag does not have any concerns about Ronaldo's ability to play in Ten Hag's high-pressing style.

"I think Cristiano is capable of doing that. In his career, he has shown everything," Ten Hag said. "I have set my demand. We want to play in a certain way. A top player can contribute, and Ronaldo is an absolute top player in our squad."

"The players dictate the way you play. Especially players who score goals because they are significant for a team. You construct your team around them."

Manchester United's 2022-23 Premier League season begins on August 7 when they host Brighton & Hove Albion. Erik Ten Hag believes Ronaldo will not feature due to his non-preseason participation.

Upon being asked if he will start the season without Ronaldo, Ten Hag replied: "I think so, but he is training. I think we all know Ronaldo is a top professional and he will be fit, that is the last concern I have."

Due to "personal issues," the 37-year-old did not participate in any pre-season practice with Manchester United this summer.

What are Erik Ten Hag's plans with Manchester United?

During Manchester United's pre-season trip, Erik ten Hag has limited his media appearances. There haven't been any post-game news conferences because he prefers to leave fast on the team bus and focus on the training the next day.

Every minute spent strategizing matters in his eyes.

However, Ten Hag sat down to chat in-depth for the first time about his job at United on Monday afternoon at AAMI Park, the sports venue near Melbourne Cricket Ground, following a morning session with his players.

The Manchester United manager discussed his preferred style of play, his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire's leadership, players like Frenkie de Jong, dressing-room decorum, and many other topics.

On Frenkie De Jong, Ten Hag said, "We are looking for a player who can play in the holding midfield position, but it has to be the right one. There are not many in that position capable of the level we demand. When we can't find him, we have to deal with the players in our squad now, and we will develop one in that position."

Upon being broached about Harry Maguire's captaincy, the new manager said, "I always see the captaincy as an issue that I dictate. For me, team building is an important point, and I always talk about a group of leaders. The captain is really important, and I'm happy with him.

"It can help (give him more confidence). I will support him everywhere I can. In the end, he has to do it by himself and has the qualities to do it."

"We have good centre-halves, and Harry is one of them. He can play on the left side and on the right."

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