Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has spoken in an interview with Sky Sports about a number of topics, most notably speculation surrounding Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and current United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Manchester United boss is preparing for his first season in the Premier League, with the club looking for an improvement on their 6th placed finish in the 2021/23 season.
However, preparations have been overshadowed by constant speculation around the futures of two high profile players, one already at the club and one linked with a move to Old Trafford.
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Frenkie de Jong’s transfer situation has been one of the summer window’s most widely discussed and reported, with United having been linked with the player since the beginning of the window.
Whilst Erik ten Hag had been reported to be desperate for the player to join the club, negotiations with Barcelona and the player have been stalled due to reported disagreements between the Dutchman and Barcelona over deferred salary payments, something the player insists must be resolved before he is to leave the Catalan giants.
New reports have linked Frenkie de Jong with a move to Premier League rivals Chelsea, a move that would be a huge blow to both United’s footballing ability on the field and their reputation in the eyes of football fans around the world.
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When asked in the interview about the situation surrounding his compatriot, Ten Hag said, "No, I can't. I don't talk about players who is not under contract at Manchester United."
While this appears to reveal little insight into the situation, Ten Hag’s reluctance to offer further information suggests there have been no significant developments involving De Jong.
The lack of information offered on De Jong will likely cause increased agitation amongst the United fanbase, with many becoming increasingly irritated by the lack of progression in the deal.
The Reds boss was more open to giving information on Cristiano Ronaldo however, following rumours about the Portuguese’s icons future at Old Trafford throughout the summer.
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Erik ten Hag when asked about Ronaldo’s ability to fit in his plans for United said, "I think he can. It starts with he has to get fit, he just started. He is a fantastic football player – he's proved it so many times."
"You [will always] be judged on what you are presenting now, performing now, so the team and Cristiano himself has to prove it,” he detailed, when referring to how Ronaldo could fit into his plans.
On transfer targets, Ten Hag once again reiterated his position that the purchases have to be the right players.
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"We know what we want,” he declared. It's not about signing players, it's about signing the right players, so we are really planning it carefully – we are strict to that, hard working to get the right players in to construct a good squad."
These words are likely to split the United fanbase, with many being relieved to hear Erik ten Hag talk optimistically about a place in his United plans for Ronaldo to feature, while others will want the forward gone following what has been perceived by some as unprofessional conduct throughout pre-season.
The 37-year-old did not tour with the first team to Thailand and Australia, only returning to feature in a second-string game against Rayo Vallecano last Sunday.
An expression of annoyance at Ten Hag’s words on Ronaldo will come as no surprise, with Ronaldo being reported as one of the two most abused Premier League players on social media across the first half of the 2021/22 season, with teammate and captain, Harry Maguire, being the other.
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While Ten Hag’s interview didn’t reveal a lot of previously unknown information for United fans, hearing the Dutchman touch on both players will at least offer some comfort to fans, knowing both situations are at the forefront of the manager’s mind heading into the new season.
Manchester United take on Brighton in their first game of the Premier League season on Sunday at 14:00 BST.
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Cristiano Ronaldo, Frenkie De Jong
Harry Greenwood