Erik ten Hag has admitted Cristiano Ronaldo is not happy at sitting on the bench for Manchester United but admits the Portuguese forward is happy at the club.
Naija News earlier reported that the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner is frustrated at Old Trafford and could be looking forward to a possible move to a Champions League club in January.
According to speculation, the former Real Madrid star is linked with a move to Chelsea, and Todd Boehly is keen to sign him in the next transfer window.
The Dutchman didn’t bring Cristiano on nor start him for the Manchester Derby game, when asked, he insisted that he did that out of respect for the star’s career and doesn’t relate to him leaving the club anytime soon.
He said, “I can’t see that relation, that he’s not coming when we’re 4-0, 5-1, 6-1 down. I didn’t bring him out of respect. It’s nothing to do with what’s happening for the future or January or next year.”
Erik, when asked about Ronaldo’s situation at Manchester United ahead of the Europa League game, said “I don’t see he’s unhappy. He’s happy, he’s training well, he’s enjoying it. Everyone is training well, there’s a good spirit, that’s not the point, it’s important as it’s a base to work well.
“I never talk about my conversations with the players, it’s between us, that’s quite clear. Especially Cristiano, he’s really competitive, as we all know. He’s not happy when he’s not playing.
“But I already said and I have to repeat, he’s training well, he has a good mood, he’s motivated and he gives his best, that is what we expect.”
When asked why, out of respect, he didn’t start Cristiano Ronaldo nor bring him in, but brought Anthony Martial for the Derby game, he said, “I made myself clear, it’s always about you live by the day, you line up the strongest team you have, but there are differences.
“I will treat everyone with respect but they all have different backgrounds, with the character they’re different. I have to treat everyone different to get the best out of them, but there are general standards and values for everyone.”
Add Comment