Erik ten Hag to meet 'giant' Cristiano Ronaldo in one of first acts as Man Utd manager
New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has labelled Cristiano Ronaldo a ‘giant’ and 90min understands he will be meeting the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as one of his first acts in charge.
Ronaldo signed a two-year contract with United when he returned to the club last summer, but his future has been the subject of much uncertainty and speculation amid the team’s struggles and failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
The 37-year-old himself has scored 24 goals in all competitions, including 18 in the Premier League, and has at times carried United on his back.
- Man Utd's transfer plans following Erik ten Hag appointment
- Erik ten Hag calls Man Utd recruitment meeting in Amsterdam
- Erik ten Hag lifts lid on Man Utd interview process & 'fantastic challenge'
“I am looking forward to working with him,” Ten Hag said to Dutch media on Sunday night ahead of his arrival in Manchester.
“Ronaldo is a giant, because of what he has already shown, and I think he is still very ambitious. Of course, I want to keep him in. He has been very important for Manchester United this year and can show great statistics.”
There had been debate over whether Ronaldo would be the right fit for Ten Hag’s tactical system, but the Dutchman has seemingly ended that with his comments.
90min has been informed that Ten Hag will arrive in Manchester on Monday morning, with the coach himself publicly confirming he is missing Ajax’s post-season trip to Curacao. Technically, he has ended his contract with Ajax slightly early and will get to work at United right away.
Listen now to 90min's Manchester United podcast, The Promised Land, with Scott Saunders & Rob Blanchette. On the latest show they discuss the reports linking Frenkie De Jong with a move to Old Trafford, the FA Youth Cup final and more
However, as things stand, Ralf Rangnick will remain in charge of the team for United’s final game of the season when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
“There is a lot of work to do,” Ten Hag said at the weekend about the situation at the club.
“That is the case with every club. A number of things still need to be organised in the staff and also in the selection. We will be working intensively on this from [Monday 16 May].”
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!