Erik ten Hag looking forward to the future after exit of Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is looking forward to the future after the departure of Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo from the club. The Dutch manager is not too bothered about the 37-year-old’s exit.
The Red Devils terminated the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract by mutual consent following his interview with Piers Morgan. In his conversation with the British Broadcaster, the forward said that he had no respect for the gaffer.
Speaking on the club’s official website (h/t Manchester Evening News), Ten Hag was asked about Ronaldo’s departure. The Dutch manager was relaxed about the situation.
“He’s gone and it’s the past. We are now looking forward and we’re looking to the future.”
The Portuguese icon had returned to the Old Trafford side last year, having left in 2009 after his first spell at the club. Subsequently, the forward’s return to Manchester was met with a lot of fanfare.
In the previous campaign, the 37-year-old lived up to expectations. He ended the 2021/22 season with 24 goals in all competitions, the highest in the squad.
Unfortunately, the former Real Madrid star saw his influence dwindle in the squad with the arrival of Ten Hag. The Dutch manager opted to play Marcus Rashford ahead of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the starting lineup.
Ronaldo found himself on the bench for most of his time at United in the current campaign. However, when the Portuguese star was given the opportunities, he failed to make the most of them.
After the 37-year-old walked down the tunnel before full-time against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, he was suspended for the Chelsea fixture. However, the Dutch manager put him back in the team and also handed the forward the captain’s armband against Aston Villa.
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However, the interview signalled the end of Ronaldo’s second stint at United. Now, we are left with one less attacker to count on. Thus, it remains to be seen what the Red Devils decide to do in January.
