Potential Manchester United Manager Erik ten Hag is Not Interested in Retaining Christiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo might struggle in his second spell at Manchester United if Erik ten Hag becomes the new manager. He has clarified that the Portuguese is not a part of his future plans because of ten Hag's different approach to the game.
Ronaldo :Limited time left at Man UThe Portuguese set foot in Manchester last summer amidst electrifying fanfare. In the 2022 season, he has scored 18 goals but his suitability for the team is being questioned and former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney further stated that the signing has not reaped transformative results.
Erik ten Hag is Set to Make Big Changes to Old Trafford
The Dutchman is set to become the new Manchester United boss for next season and the announcement is expected to arrive sometime after his Ajax side's Dutch Cup Final against rivals PSV Eindhoven this Sunday. Ten Hag has struck a deal in principle to become United’s new permanent manager this summer provided there are massive changes characterizing United this summer.
Although Ronaldo was offered a high amount for his services extending two seasons, Manchester United is still unsure of his presence on the team. His status challenges the United hierarchy that is confused between persisting or cutting their losses. The controversy has also created a rift among his fanbase that now has divided opinions about Ronaldo's second spell in the club. Some reports state that his 18 goals do not compensate for the value of his presence on the side.
Hence, Erik ten Hag implies that he might do away with Ronaldo once he becomes the manager. Around 10 players might exit the club and the Ajax boss is requesting control over United’s transfer dealings and the selection of his backroom staff from the Premier League side. Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo's former teammate at United during his first spell, disclosed to Monday Night Football on Sky earlier in April that the club should be built around younger players moving forward instead of relying on Ronaldo's stardom. Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, and Jesse Lingard are among the high-profile names that could possibly take an exit.
Ronaldo's Possible Exit from Utd a Long Shot
Letting go of the Portuguese will be a tough task because of his skyrocketing salary that Ronaldo might not part with. Although he will be bombarded with new offers, it seems unlikely that any of them will match what United is currently offering him. The club will spend their fifth consecutive season without a trophy alongside the uncertainty of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Despite the 37-year-old producing remarkable moments in his second stint, ten Hag told the United chiefs that Ronaldo’s age and ‘luxury status’ is a hindrance to his future plans as the Dutchman is introducing a new style of play. Ronaldo is still ambitious but is not decided whether or not the Portuguese plans to stay back during the early stages of the upcoming Old Trafford transformation.