Pranav Kannan
Erik ten Hag talks about how Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the Manchester United XI
Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester United’s momentous clash against league leaders Arsenal as quoted by Manchester Evening News, Erik ten Hag has revealed what Cristiano Ronaldo has to do to get back into the team.
The Dutch tactician went on to proclaim that Ronaldo is not up to speed with the team due to the fact that he missed the pre-season and it may take time for the Portuguese superstar to reach the standard expected of him.
Ronaldo, who has been heavily linked with an exit away from Old Trafford throughout the summer, finds himself staying in Manchester. He now knows he has to play another season for the Red Devils and will be motivated to show his best levels.
The 37-year-old superstar has not had the best of times recently. Anyone who has seen Man United play can see that he is far from the player he once used to be and the Portuguese superstar needs to rediscover his best level.
Erik ten Hag has chosen to use other options at the start of the season and has preferred using Ronaldo off the bench in all but one of the games until now. Off the bench, the Portuguese forward has failed to score a single goal yet.
Speaking about the inclusion of Ronaldo into his team, ten Hag highlighted certain aspects that he thinks the 37-year-old must work on.
“As we all know, he didn’t have the pre-season and you can not miss the pre-season, it’s a base. Especially the game we play, the way of play is not the type in comparison with last year.”
“It depends on the demands, co-operation and demands certain positioning, in and out of possession. And the other thing is the fitness.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has always been used to the very best. He has never been benched for so long in his career before and the Portuguese striker will be determined more than ever to prove all his doubters wrong.
A motivated Ronaldo is just what Erik ten Hag and Manchester United need. The Red Devils have started playing some decent football in recent weeks and adding a motivated Ronaldo to it will provide devastating results.
More Manchester United News
- Patrice Evra talks up Premier League leaders Arsenal ahead of Manchester United clash
- Erik Ten Hag gives his verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the squad
- Jadon Sancho reveals how Erik ten Hag is unlocking the “intelligence” of Manchester United players
Now that the transfer drama is truly over, Man United and Ronaldo will be keen on focussing on football. It’s high time both parties started doing just that.
