Transfer Centre

Erik ten Hag addresses rumours Cristiano Ronaldo could leave in January

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 05 October 2022

Ten Hag addresses rumours Ronaldo could leave in January

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says that Cristiano Ronaldo is "happy" and "training well" despite being overlooked for starts this season.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo is "happy" and "training well" as the speculation surrounding his future again gathers pace.

The 37-year-old has only started once for the Red Devils in the Premier League this season, and he was an unused substitute in the Manchester derby with Manchester City on Sunday.

Ten Hag said in the aftermath of the 6-3 defeat that he decided not to use Ronaldo against Pep Guardiola's side out of respect to the player's career.

"I didn't bring him on out of respect for his big career," said the Dutchman after the contest. "And the other thing, there was then the advantage I could bring Anthony Martial on. He needs the minutes but I don't want to point it out like that."

Ronaldo attempted to leave Man United over the summer, and a recent report claimed that the Portugal international could be on his way out of the club during the January transfer window.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his black eye in Portugal training on September 26, 2022 © Reuters

Ten Hag was asked about Ronaldo during his press conference on Wednesday afternoon, with the attacker included in the squad to face Omonia in the Europa League.

The Man United head coach insisted that his decision not to use the Portuguese on Sunday is not related to claims that he could be on the move at the start of 2023.

"I can't see that relation, that he's not coming on when we are 4-0 down, 5-1 down, 6-1 down and I don't bring him on out of respect. It's nothing to do with what's happening for the future, what's happening for January or next year," Ten Hag told reporters.

"I don't see he is unhappy. He's happy, he is training well. He's enjoying it and I think everyone is training well. It is a good spirit and vibe in the training so that's not the point but it's important because it is a base to work well.

"You know, everyone knows what do you expect from strikers. First, production, and second, in football it's 11. Nowadays in football it's 11 defend, 11 attack. So everyone has to contribute.

A downbeat Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Manchester United on August 7, 2022 © Reuters

"No-one is the same in a team and also the treatment I give everyone is [nothing] but respect. But they all have different backgrounds. And also [their] character, they are different, so also I have to treat players different to get the best out of them. But there are certain general standards and values that count for everyone.

"I never talk about what I talk [to the players about]. My conversations with players are between us. That's quite clear. When you are here and when you are happy, and when you are satisfied being on the bench, this is not the club where you have to be.

"So, especially Cristiano is a really competitive, as we all know, he is not happy, of course, when he is not playing. But, I already said, and I have to repeat, maybe you didn't hear, he is training well, he has a good mood, he is motivated and he gives his best, and that is what we expect."

Ronaldo's existing deal at Old Trafford is due to expire in June 2023, although there is an option to extend the agreement for a further 12 months.

The forward has only managed one goal in eight appearances for Man United this season, which came against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on September 15.