Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag gives one-word verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo at unveiling

Erik ten Hag held his first press conference as the new Manchester United manager, having watched from the stands as the team slumped to defeat at Crystal Palace on the final day of the season

Lawrence Ostlere
Monday 23 May 2022 07:58 EDT
Comments
Erik ten Hag speaks to the media at Old Trafford
Erik ten Hag speaks to the media at Old Trafford (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo is in his plans next season as the Dutchman was unveiled as Manchester United’s new manager.

Ten Hag was speaking at Old Trafford in his first press conference as new head coach, where he set out his hopes to take the club forwards after a disppointing season ended in a 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Sunday, which Ten Hag watched from the stands.

One of the few bright spots in a poor season was the performance of Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 18 league goals and 24 in total. Asked whether the 37-year-old Ronaldo was part of his plans going into the new campaign, Ten Hag simply replied: “Of course.”

When pushed for what he felt Ronaldo could bring to the team, Ten Hag looked suprised by the question. “Goals!” he laughed, before adding: “I will talk to Cristiano [about the new season] before I talk to you.”

And he later elaborated: “Cristiano is magnificent footballer and a true winner, so I can’t wait to start working with him.”

Ten Hag was also asked about United’s struggling captain Harry Maguire, who was dropped by his predecessor Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season. The new manager stopped short of guaranteeing Maguire would keep the captaincy but praised the defender’s qualities.

“Next season is a different season,” Ten Hag said. “He did a great job, he is a great player, achieved a lot with a contribution to Manchester United. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

He added: “The reason [I joined] is, although there is a fantastic history, is the high potential for the future I don’t speak with the players now, they need a break, they need a break to reflect, but I’m looking forward and I can’t wait to start.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in