Posted: 13:59, August 5, 2022 | Updated: 23:27, August 5, 2022
Erik ten Hag defended Cristiano Ronaldo on the eve of the new season as the soap opera surrounding the Manchester United star continued. After being seen lashing out at Ronaldo by saying on Dutch television that it was “unacceptable” that the player had left United’s final pre-season game against Rayo Vallecano before the end, Ten Haag did his best to smooth over the row. The United boss said it was unfair for Ronaldo to shoulder all the blame because a number of United players – including Portugal team-mate Diogo Dalot – also left Old Trafford early on Sunday. Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Manchester United training on Friday morning The forward appeared to leave the friendly against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford early “Now I have to point out, those who left… there were many players who left, but the spotlight is on Cristiano, and that’s not right,” Ten Haag said. “So do your research and find out that a lot of players have left. This is not right or acceptable. I don’t understand what the relationship is. It was part of it. There were many players.’ Asked if he had spoken to Ronaldo and the other players, Ten Haag said: “You report it, correct them and then move on. We’ve said enough about that. I said that’s not right.’ Ten Haag can only hope his side can get to the front just as quickly on Sunday when United host Brighton after a difficult first summer in charge. Ten Haag praised his players’ preparation in his press conference on Friday afternoon It dominated Ronaldo’s narrative after he asked to leave the club and then missed most of the pre-season due to an unspecified family issue. So it’s no surprise to see United’s No.7 dominate the game, given that Jorge Mendes’ agent still has another 26 days to plot a move. However, Ten Haag claimed he is planning for the new season with Ronaldo, 37, in his squad and wants to build on last season’s 24-goal top scorer. “I’m really happy,” he said. “We have a top striker and I’m happy he’s here. I am satisfied with the whole team. We are working well and Cristiano is working hard.’ Erik ten Hag says spotlight shouldn’t just be on Ronaldo for leaving before full-time At the moment, the most pressing issue surrounding Ronaldo is whether he will start against Brighton, having played just 45 minutes of football this summer. Anthony Martial will miss the game with a hamstring strain after leading the charge in pre-season, leaving Ten Haag with a big call to make for his first Premier League team choice. Does he put Ronaldo in the starting line-up or stick with the players who have worked hard at Carrington and on tour finding an alternative replacement for Martial? “We’ll see on Sunday,” Ten Haag said. “I think we will have solutions to solve it.” Anthony Martial is unavailable for the clash with the Seagulls due to a minor hamstring problem There is no doubt that the Dutchman would like to have a few more solutions at his disposal. He has made no secret of his desire for another striker and United’s summer pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong shows no signs of slowing down. Ten Hag sticks to his mantra that he wants the right players through the door – otherwise he is happy with what United already have. “You don’t need any player, you need the right player,” he said. “If it’s not the right player, no, I’m happy with the current team. “Do we want Frankie? I do not know. It’s about the right players and I can’t comment on a player under contract at another club.’
