Cristiano Ronaldo scored 24 goals for Manchester United in 2021-22 but the team struggled, finishing sixth in the Premier League – 35 points behind champions Manchester City
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Erik ten Hag sets out plans for Man Utd
New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will be part of his plans for next season.
The Dutchman, 52, was unveiled as the Red Devils’ new boss on Monday morning and faced questions from British journalists for the first time since taking the job. Ten Hag arrives at Old Trafford after winning six trophies – including three Eredivisie titles – at Ajax.
Ten Hag is aiming to turn United’s fortunes around after a dismal season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. They failed to win a trophy for the fifth consecutive year and finished sixth in the Premier League – 35 points behind champions Manchester City.
Some critics have pinned United’s struggles on Cristiano Ronaldo. The veteran, 37, has scored 24 goals in all competitions this term but isn’t renowned for his work ethic. A study in February suggested he covers less distance per 90 minutes than other United forwards.
United have also regressed significantly with Ronaldo in the team. They finished second in the Premier League and reached the final of the Europa League in 2020-21. The Red Devils won 16 fewer points in the league in 2021-22.
Despite this, Ten Hag wants Ronaldo to lead his attack. “Of course,” said the new United boss when asked if Ronaldo fits into his plans. When asked what he brings to the team, Ten Hag replied: “Goals… I talk first with Ronaldo before I talk with you.”
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It’s not the first time Ten Hag has confirmed his desire to work with Ronaldo. “From tomorrow, my focus will be on United, and I will of course get deep into things there,” said the manager after his final game at Ajax.
“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.”
Ronaldo has previously said he’s excited to work with Ten Hag. “What I know about him is he did a fantastic job for Ajax, that he’s an experienced coach,” the Portuguese ace told the club’s website earlier this month. “Things need to change the way he wants.
“I hope we have success, of course, because, if you have success, all of Manchester is going to have success as well. I wish him the best. We are happy and excited, not only as players, but the supporters as well. I wish him the best and let’s believe that, next year, we are going to win trophies.”
Several players are expected to leave Old Trafford this summer – including Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard. There are also question marks over the futures of Phil Jones, Dean Henderson, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and others.
“If you analyse the situation it is not difficult to analyse,” said Rangnick last month. “For me, it is clear there will be six, seven, eight, maybe ten new players. Before you sign those players you need to be aware how you want to play.”
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