Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that he still hasn’t spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo since the Portuguese star asked to leave the club.
The 37-year-old superstar has missed United’s pre-season tour after he recently informing the club that he wants to play football elsewhere next season.
According to official reports, his absence from the club is due to family reasons, but it was rumoured that he is sulking after the club blocked his move away from the club.
Although his new coach has backed him to be fit for the upcoming season, he has also revealed that he doesn’t know when the player will return to first team training with less than three weeks before the new season starts.
When asked about Ronaldo, he said there has been no contact between them.
“The same status as last week in Bangkok. No change,” she said via Sportsmail.
“He is training. I think we all know Ronaldo is a top professional and he will be fit – that is the last concern I have.”
Despite the talisman’s absence, Ten Hag has suggested that he is building his team around him. He also backed the five-times Balon d’Or winner to cope with United’s high-pressing approach in the coming season.
“I think Cristiano is capable of doing that. In his career he has shown everything,” Ten Hag added.
“I have set my demands. We want to play in a certain way. A top player can contribute and Ronaldo is an absolute top player in our squad.
“The players dictate the way you play. Especially players who score goals because they are extremely important for a team. You construct your team around them.”
Ten Hag also claimed that the option to extend Ronaldo’s contract at United could be triggered. The deal will see him remain at the club until 2024.
“I am well informed. He also has an option, no? So, yes (Ronaldo could extend his stay),” the Dutchman added.
