Manchester United’s Dutch coach Eric Ten Hag confirmed on Monday that Cristiano Ronaldo is “not for sale” amid rumors of the Portuguese star’s exit fueled by his absence from the Red Devils’ tour of Thailand.
“Cristiano is not for sale, this is part of our plans. I am preparing for next season with him,” said Ten Hag from Bangkok, where his team will face Liverpool on Tuesday.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner did not travel with his teammates on Friday due to “family issues”, according to his club, but the English press has been talking for weeks about his desire to move this summer.
And press reports pointed to the desire of the 37-year-old striker, whose contract expires in 2023, to leave the club next season, absent from the Champions League, after a disappointing season in the local league that ended in sixth place.
“I talked to Cristiano before it became known (his departure). We had a very good discussion,” said Ten Hag, who will take over at United next season.
And the question of Ronaldo’s fate has been overshadowed by a massive restructuring project initiated by the former Ajax manager, who is looking for reinforcements “in midfield and in attack.”
“We have a good team that has potential. If there is an opportunity to step up, we will take it,” the Dutchman said, without commenting on rumors about his compatriot Frank de Jong, a Barcelona midfielder that United are keen to include.
After meeting Liverpool in Bangkok, United’s first post-season friendly, United will continue their tour of Australia until 23 July.
