Erik ten Hag has described Cristiano Ronaldo as a “giant” of a player and said he is relishing the chance to work with the Manchester United star.
Ten Hag begins his reign as United's new boss today and has outlined his vision for taking the fallen giants back to the very top – which includes a central role for Ronaldo.
United's failure to secure Champions League football had led to suggestions Ronaldo was ready to leave this summer, just a year after his sensational return to Old Trafford. But ten Hag has told the 37-year-old he is looking forward to working with him and utilising his experience and continued influence to plot United's route back to the top.
"I am looking forward to working with him,” said ten Hag. “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."
Ten Hag has agreed to start work at United earlier than expected, with the blessing of former club Ajax, because of the scale of the job that awaits him at Old Trafford.
"We have agreed that I will be employed by Manchester United from 16 May,” said ten Hag. “In the preparation for the season there are still a few things to be done.
"Among other things, regarding the filling of the staff and the composition of the selection. I will make my mark and that must be done extremely carefully.
"We have to talk carefully about where we all want to go and how we are going to achieve that. There were possibilities to work at clubs where it is easier, because there is a better foundation.
“But I chose United because there's something to be gained there. A lot of things need to be addressed and that's a challenge. The club and I are on the same page as far as that's concerned.
“Also about the way I want to do it. In what way? I don't want to say anything about that. I will discuss that in England."
Ten Hag, speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf , said he is also unfazed by the opinions of former United players turned pundits, including Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand.
“That has an impact, but it should never have an influence in the dressing room,” said ten Hag. “Maybe the criticism is fiercer there. The club simply has a bigger fan base and more reach than Ajax, because England is much bigger, the Premier League is much bigger and basically everything is much bigger.’
“Compared to the Netherlands it's factor two, three, four or maybe even more. Fortunately, I've been getting more and more baggage on how to deal with certain forces.’’
Ten Hag is adamant his success at Ajax has given him the perfect foundation on which to try to haul United back to winning titles and become a major force in Europe again.
"Because we played many matches in the Champions League with Ajax, we were able to measure ourselves against the best clubs, players and trainers,” said the Dutch coach.
“In terms of tactics, you are challenged at the highest level. On that level I have been able to develop myself incredibly.’ “But certainly also how to deal with certain forces, where to set priorities and in terms of span of control.
"How should I steer certain processes at United? And what standards and values do you apply as a team? Everything to perform and to ensure that the playing style is implemented properly.’
“I can look every player straight in the eye. I know that for sure. I made all my choices in good conscience. With me, the team's interest always comes first. I choose the players who are best suited to deliver a performance, the players with whom I have the most chance of winning."
Reflecting on his tenure at Ajax, which saw him win three Dutch titles, ten Hag said he is happy with what he achieved – but said it could have been even better.
“"It could hardly have been better,” said ten Hag. “Or I should have won the Champions League or the Europa League?
“Of course my aim was to also win the Johan Cruijff Schaal and the KNVB Cup this season. But is it realistic to get all the prizes? Ajax is currently the most successful club in the Netherlands again, having dominated the league for four years. I can be satisfied with that."
He will hold the first talks with his new players - "But very limited," Ten Hag emphasises because he doesn't want to get in the way of his predecessor Ralf Rangnick.
"I did receive some WhatsApp messages from them [the players] already, saying welcome to the club."
Ten Hag has not ruled out taking Ajax players with him to United, including Jurrien Timber and Antony.
"I think all the top clubs in Europe have Timber in their sights, but I think that applies to a lot of Ajax players at the moment.,” said ten Hag. “If Antony were to go, it would be a loss for Ajax. He is top class.”
