Manager still in the dark over Ronaldo’s situation

ERIK TEN HAG has still not spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo since the Manchester United star asked to leave the club, and doesn’t know when the player will return to training less than three weeks before the new season starts. Ronaldo has missed United’s tour of Thailand and Australia, officially due to a family matter, after the club blocked his attempts to quit Old Trafford. Ten Hag backed the 37-year-old to be fit for the new campaign even though there has been no contact nor an indication when Ronaldo will report back for training. ‘The same status as last week in Bangkok. No change,’ said the United boss in Melbourne yesterday. ‘He is training. We all know Ronaldo is a top professional and he will be fit — that is the last concern I have. ‘He is not for sale. I plan for him and I’m looking forward to working with him, but for the rest I cannot say any more. The situation is still the same.’ Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Ten Hag suggested building a team around him — though he said it is unlikely to contain many English signings due to what he sees as a premium on their transfer fees. He backed Ronaldo to cope with United’s high-pressing system next season. ‘Cristiano is capable of doing that. In his career he has shown everything,’ said

Ten Hag. ‘I have set my demand. We want to play in a certain way. A top player can contribute and Ronaldo is a top player. ‘The players dictate the way you play. Especially players who score goals.’ Ten Hag also claimed an option to extend Ronaldo’s £500,000-a-week contract at United until 2024 could be triggered. ‘He has an option, no? So, yes (Ronaldo could extend his stay),’ said the 52-year-old.