Erik ten Hag shares insights about Manchester United post Cristiano Ronaldo

(Football news) Erik ten Hag says that Manchester United have put the Cristiano Ronaldo situation behind them as they look to improve on the second half of their season. The club terminated Ronaldo’s contract two days before Portugal began their World Cup campaign after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan for Talk TV. As things stand, Ronaldo is a free agent and is currently linked with Saudi Arabia club Al Nassr but no agreement has been reached between the two parties. The 37 year old was on the bench as Portugal thrashed Switzerland 6-1 with Ronaldo’s replacement Goncalo Ramos scoring a hat-trick.

“He’s gone and it’s the past. We are now looking forward and we’re looking to the future”, added Ten Hag ahead of Wednesday night’s friendly against Spanish top-flight side Cadiz. I have the feeling, we have the feeling, that we are in the right direction, but we also know that it’s still a lot of work to do for us here.”

When asked if the mentality of these signings was key, Ten Hag said: “Yes. We looked and with football players clearly that is the first thing, the capabilities a player has. The human being behind is also an important factor, but you can’t underestimate that. You need the right characters in your dressing room, not only if you want to win a game but if you want to win trophies.”
Erik ten Hag to MUTV

The Dutchman has been keeping a close eye on how his players are faring at the World Cup, with 11 members of the squad currently competing for the Jules Rimet trophy. The recruitment under Ten Hag has been impressive as Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Antony and Christian Eriksen have played a big role since their arrival in the summer transfer window. With Ronaldo gone, Manchester United could dip into the January transfer market to sign another forward with the likes of Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo currently being linked to the club.

Manchester United went into the World Cup break after Alejandro Garnacho sealed a 2-1 victory for the Red Devils against Fulham, leaving them three points behind fourth place Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand. The club will return to action against Burnley in the Carabao Cup Round of 16 on December 21st, three days after the World Cup final and Erik ten Hag has already stated that they will get no rest as the domestic season is set to begin immediately.

“We had a plan, we have prepared the players with what the plan is so there can’t be any confusion about what the programme is. We make the players aware of the fact that, after you are out of the World Cup, you have to return to the club and the league immediately goes on.

“You have to be ready for that, but I think our players are used to it. Our players are winners, and they are battling now for the World Cup, and in the moment they are out – hopefully one is the winner – they have to deal with that. With the success they have, or the defeats, they have to deal with it and of course they have to be ready for another challenge.”
Erik ten Hag