Erik Ten Hag addresses Cristiano Ronaldo issue for the first time
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has chosen to focus on the future and not dwell much on the drama involving former player Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo and Man United parted ways late last month following a controversial interview that the Portugal captain did with British broadcaster Piers Morgan.
The 37-year-old said that he has no respect for coach Ten Hag.
Ronaldo also criticised how the club is being run, saying he felt betrayed by Manchester United.
He is now a free agent with talks of a possible move to Saudi Arabia to join Al Nassr. But the Portuguese forward has since rubbished the reports.
TEN HAG ON CRISTIANO RONALDO
Speaking to MUTV, Ten Hag insists the issue is now in the past.
“He (Cristiano Ronaldo) is gone. It’s the past and we are now looking forward and looking to the future,” said Ten Hag in a brief answer.
The Man United coach went on to touch on the club’s ambition ahead of the resumption of the league after the 2022 FIFA World Cup break in Qatar.
“Firstly, we have to get the team in the position that they can win something,” he said. “So that’s our first focus point. December or in January no team wins a trophy, so we have to get into the right position for April and that is what we have to work for.”
ON FACING BARCELONA
“Yes (looking forward to the match). But it’s in the back of my head. We have lots of other games first. I like the style of Barcelona and it’s clearly going to be a great competition between us.
“We are looking forward to it, but as I said other games are coming up first and we will focus on that. At the moment we will give our best,” concluded Ten Hag.
Barcelona and Manchester United are set to lock horns in the Europa League in February 2023.
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