New Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo is not fit enough when compared to other players at the Premier League club.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been making headlines since he told the Man United management that he wants to leave the Old Trafford club. The Juventus and Real Madrid legend told Man United that he should be allowed to leave the club when they receive an offer from any club.
Recall that the 37-year-old Portuguese star returned to Old Trafford from Juventus in August 2021; a surprise move for most football enthusiasts and analysts.
Cristiano Ronaldo: A Disappointing Man United Return
The Portuguese international has pushed for an exit from Manchester United after what appears to be a disappointing second spell with the Red Devils. Manchester United finished 6th on the 2021-2023 Premier League table, hence, they will not play the 2022-2023 UEFA Champions League.
The Red Devils led by Erik Ten Hag are condemned to play in the European second-tier club competition after a poor Premier League campaign.
Despite United’s poor record last season, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 24 times for the club. He had made it clear to the club that he would not like to be in a team that finished below the Champions League position. Hence, many believe that the failure of Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League has been the reason behind Ronaldo’s exit from the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Exit Call Hints On The Edges Of Desperation
What has been more shocking has been the intervention of Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes in pushing for an exit for the Portuguese international.
Mendes has intentionally made attempts to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to other clubs. He had even stated that the 37-year-old is ready to accept a pay cut of up to 30% percent to join any team provided he plays in the Champions League next season.
Amid his desire to leave Manchester United, Ronaldo has missed most of the club’s preseason tour. He has however returned to Carrington to train with the Man United squad and was featured in United’s last preseason clash with Rayo Vallecano.
Erik Ten Hag Bombs Ronaldo’s Fitness Level After Return To Carrington
New Man United manager Erik Ten Hag has made it clear that he intends to work with the multiple Ballon d ‘Or winner in his mission to rebuild Manchester United.
He had stated that Ronaldo is part of his plan next summer and that he does not intend to sell the player. However, he has criticized Ronaldo’s fitness level ahead of next season.
The former Ajax manager and Eredivise winner said Ronaldo has lost his fitness since he did not join United in the preseason training and friendlies earlier.
“He is definitely not on the fitness level of our current squad he needs games and he needs a lot of training”, Ten Hag said while speaking to Skyport News.
Cristiano Ronaldo might not play a major part in Man United squad next season as he vigorously seeks Champions League football.
Erik ten Hag believes that Cristiano Ronaldo needs game time and a lot of training to regain full match fitness 💪
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 31, 2022
[🎥] Viaplay pic.twitter.com/r3igTe9Sz1
