Erik Ten Hag hails Cristiano Ronaldo and calls him ‘Giant’ of Old Trafford … Wants to work with him

Incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has broken his silence on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, calling him a “giant” player for the club.

In his first season since returning to United last summer, Ronaldo, 37, has scored 24 goals in 38 games.

Since United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League next season, his future has been the subject of heated speculation.

Despite his excellent goal-scoring form this season, there were concerns that Ronaldo might not be included in Ten Hag’s plans at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag on Man Utd plans for Cristiano Ronaldo: “I want to keep Cristiano at Man United, of course. He has been very important for this club”, tells @MikeVerweij. 🔴🇵🇹 #MUFC

“Ronaldo is a giant, because of everything he has shown so far and because of how ambitious he is”. pic.twitter.com/RH2Se08WOL

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 16, 2022

However, the Dutchman, who was appointed as United manager last month on a contract that runs through June 2025, has stated that he admires Ronaldo.

Erik Ten Hag remarked after Ajax’s final match of the season, a 2-2 draw with Vitesse on Sunday: “My emphasis will shift to United beginning tomorrow, and I will dive deep into the situation.

“What I have to say about it is that the deep investigation must begin, and I must continue to work with the team, but let me be clear: there are many good players at United.

“We have to get them to work together as a team, but Ronaldo is a Goliath.”

Ten Hag is said to have ended his Ajax contract six weeks early in order to focus on his new post at Old Trafford.

In midweek, the 52-year-old met with United’s football director, John Murtough, in Amsterdam to discuss the club’s summer recruitment ambitions.

He is set to arrive in Manchester the week following United’s final Premier League match of the season against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Confirmed, Erik ten Hag will arrive in Manchester on Monday to begin his new chapter as new Man Utd head coach. 🔴🛩 #MUFC

Mitchell van der Gaar will be part of his coaching staff, work in progress also for Steve McClaren to join them.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 15, 2022

Ronaldo says he’s excited to work with Ten Hag next season at Old Trafford.

“I know he did a wonderful job at Ajax and is an experienced coach,” Ronaldo told United’s website. “But we have to give him time.”

“Things must alter in his favor. If you succeed, Manchester United will succeed as a whole, so I wish you luck.

“Not only as players but also as fans, we are all ecstatic about the arrival.

“We have to believe that we can win titles next year.”