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Erik Ten Hag gives massive update on Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Manchester United
Speaking during a press conference, Erik ten Hag gave a massive update about Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Manchester United.
With Manchester United currently on tour in Thailand, new manager Erik ten Hag spoke to reporters during a press conference on Monday. Ten Hag updated fans about his side's preparations and also gave a massive transfer update about Cristiano Ronaldo. The star striker didn't join training and also didn't travel for the pre-season tour, citing personal and family issues. According to reports, Ronaldo also expressed his desire to leave United after they failed to secure UEFA Champions League qualification. But Ten Hag had a different take on the situation and stated that 'Cristiano is not for sale'.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Italian football journalist, Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes already made contact with Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly for a possible transfer. But it looks like the former Real Madrid man will remain at United.
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"He hasn't told me this. I have read, but as I say, Cristiano is not for sale, he's in our plans and we want to get success together", said Ten Hag.
Ten Hag also confirmed that he has already conversed with Ronaldo about his future with the club.
"I spoke with him before this issue came up, I had a conversation with him and I had a good talk. That is between Cristiano and me, what I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together", he said.
"What I said before, once again, I had a really good talk together", he further added.
Despite confirming that Ronaldo would not be departing United, Ten Hag could not confirm his presence in the pre-season tour. When asked if the 37-year-old's absence could affect United's training plans, he said, "The way of playing to develop is a process, takes time, also it's dependent on the competence of the squad, clear, and how we want to play that is proactive."
"We are working on this and you cannot achieve this in one or two weeks, it takes longer. I cannot tell (on Ronaldo joining tour) as the absence I already explained and that is it for this moment."
"I didn't speak to him after (the news). His absence is personal issue."
Ronaldo rejoined United from Juventus ahead of the 2021-22 campaign. He lived up to his star status, scoring 24 goals and registering three assists in 38 matches, making him United's highest goalscorer.
