Coach Eric Ten Hag of the Netherlands emphasised that Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the team’s starting lineup in recent games did not portend ill for the experienced winger’s future at the club.
The five-time World Player of the Year did not play for Ronaldo during Manchester United’s 3-6 Premier League loss to archrival Manchester City on Sunday, according to Ten Hag, who claimed that he did so out of respect for him.
Ronaldo reportedly wanted to leave Manchester United during the previous summer’s moves. Although he was unable to do so, rumours suggested that he would consider finishing his career with the club.
Ten Hag did, however, imply ahead of Thursday’s European League encounter between Manchester United and Omonia Nicosia that Ronaldo’s absence from the squad does not necessarily portend his exit from “Old Trafford.”
“I don’t see a relationship between the two, and I think not pressing him while we’re 4-0 down is a respect for him, it has nothing to do with what happens in the future, what happens next January or next year,” Ten Hag remarked.
I don’t see him depressed, he is pleased, and he is working well, the Dutch coach continued. Everybody exercises well. The team has a positive attitude.
Don’t get me wrong; Ten Hag is not happy about not playing on Sunday, but the question was about his attitude at practise, where he is content.
Ten Hag: Ronaldo is “glad” to be a substitute
About Author
