Erik Ten Hag Rules Out Cristiano Ronaldo Leaving Man Utd, Says He May Extend Contract

Manchester United's new manager Erik ten Hag has ruled out rumors of Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the club, claiming the possibility of the striker extending his contract at Old Trafford.

"I am well informed he also has an option [to extend his contract until 2024] no?" Ten Hag said. "Of course I have signed here for three years, but in football it's short-term as well. We have to win from the start. So I don't look that far ahead. I have a strategy, it's a process, it takes time, but in the end we have to make sure from the outset there is a winning team."

Ten Hag shared his plan to have the 37-year-old forward in his team next Premier League season. He was also asked whether Ronaldo could stay at the club after that, the United manager said it is a possibility as CR7 is under great pressure to achieve immediate success.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner recently stated his desite to leave Old Trafford as he hopes of joining the Champions League this season. Ronaldo did not join the team's pre-season tour of Thailand and he is also expected to miss out on the team's upcoming Australia tour due to "family issues".

The former Ajax boss has no idea when Ronaldo will return but has not ruled out the Portuguese international starting the first game of the new season against Brighton on Aug. 7. "He is training," Ten Hag said. "I think we all know Ronaldo is a top professional and he will be fit, that is the last concern I have."

Ten Hag is confident about whether Ronaldo doing his part and adapting to his pressing system. "I think Cristiano is capable of doing that. In his career he has shown everything. I have set my demand. We want to play in a certain way. A top player can contribute and Ronaldo is an absolute top player in our squad.” He added, "The players dictate the way you play. Especially players who score goals because they are extremely important for a team. You construct your team around them."

Ronaldo has been linked with a return to Spain with Atletico Madrid but Man Utd are yet to receive an offer for him. He is currently training alone in Portugal. He uploaded a picture alongside his son, Cristiano Jr and former Sporting academy teammates Jose Semedo and Miguel Paixao on Monday. He captioned the photo, "Work done."