Listen to the article
Incoming Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag has expressed his readiness to work with Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
Speaking in his final interview with Ajax as their manager, the manager recalled that he spoke with Ronaldo during a Champions League clash against Real Madrid in 2019.
The Red Devils is expected to let as many as 10 players leave the club this summer, as the Dutchman oversees wholesale changes to the squad.
Ronaldo has one year left on his current contract and there were speculations he would leave after the Red Devils failed to make the Champions League next season.
However, Ten Hag has cleared the air on the player’s future, suggesting Ronaldo will be a key player for him next season.
“That was an interesting chat,” ten Hag said.
“I think he could appreciate the way we played. He is a true winner and a magnificent player. I can’t wait to work with him.”
Ronaldo has scored over 20 goals in all competitions for Manchester United this season despite the team’s struggles.
He picked up his second Premier League Player-of-the-Month award of the campaign at Carrington earlier this week and must be a strong contender for the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year trophy after landing four monthly prizes – in September, October, March and April.
If the former Real Madrid and Juventus superstar stays, it will mean the Portuguese won’t be playing Champions League football for the first time in more than a decade.
Style of play
A versatile attacker, Ronaldo is capable of playing on either wing as well as through the centre of the pitch, and, while ostensibly right-footed, is very strong with both feet. Tactically, Ronaldo has undergone several evolutions throughout his career. While at Sporting and during his first season at Manchester United, he was typically deployed as a traditional winger on the right side of midfield, where he regularly looked to deliver crosses into the penalty area.
In this position, he was able to use his pace and acceleration, agility and technical skills to take on opponents in one-on-one situations. Ronaldo became noted for his dribbling and flair, often displaying an array of tricks and feints,such as the step overs and so-called ‘chops’ that became his trademark; he has also been known to use the flip–flap.
