Like countless Manchester United fans, Erik ten Hag will be hoping rumours linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a move away from Old Trafford are without substance.
Reports over the last few days have suggested the Portuguese ace could be eyeing an early exit from United this summer. Ronaldo still has a year left on his deal, but speculation has followed him throughout the last few months.
The latest suggestion is that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is unhappy with the lack of transfer activity at United. The club are yet to make any new signings, despite the 2022/23 campaign being just over a month away and Ten Hag facing a major rebuild after the disaster that was last season.
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Bayern Munich have been linked with a potential move, although the German champions have already given the rumours short shrift. That’s unlikely to end the speculation though, as much as Ten Hag would no doubt like it to.
Ronaldo was of course one of few bright sparks in an otherwise dismal 2021/22 season for United. His 24 goals in 38 appearances ensured United at least clung on for Europa League qualification, while their Champions League campaign could have ended in the group stage without his vital contributions.
His exit would likely be a tipping point for a fan base already concerned with a lack of incomings this summer. Fans though can take some assurance that Ten Hag already has Ronaldo firmly in his plans for next season.
Speaking after his final game in charge of Ajax last month, Ten Hag said: "From tomorrow (Monday), my focus will be on United, and I will of course get deep into things there.
"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."
In another interview with De Telegraaf, Ten Hag added: “Ronaldo is a giant, because of what he’s already shown and I think he’s still very ambitious. Of course I would like to keep him. He’s been very important to Manchester United this year and can produce great statistics.”
Despite the rumours, Ronaldo is expected to report back for pre-season with United next month. The 37-year-old is currently training at Real Mallorca as he prepares for the Reds' tour, with their first friendly against Liverpool on July 12 in Thailand.
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