‘He is a true winner and a magnificent player. I can’t wait to work with him’
Incoming Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has admitted that he cannot wait to work with Cristiano Ronaldo, calling the Portuguese international ‘magnificent’.
The Dutchman will officially begin his reign as Red Devils boss after United’s final game against Crystal Palace on Sunday, with the 52-year-old facing a summer of change.
While some pundits and former players have questioned whether talisman Ronaldo would feature under Ten Hag, the Ajax boss has dispelled any doubts over their relationship by calling him ‘a true winner’.
Ten Hag praises ‘true winner’ Ronaldo
Speaking in his final interview with Ajax, Ten Hag reflected on a pitchside chat with Ronaldo in 2019 after the Eredivisie side faced off against Juventus in the Champions League.
Erik ten Hag with one more clear message on Cristiano Ronaldo: “Yes, Cristiano is magnificent footballer and a true winner – so I can’t wait to start working with him!”. 🔴 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/eas6Vm2Pen
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 20, 2022
“That was an interesting chat,” he said in his interview.
“I think he could appreciate the way we played. He is a true winner and a magnificent player. I can’t wait to work with him.”
Ronaldo has already complemented the incoming Red Devils boss, praising his achievements with Ajax and urging the club to ‘give him time’.
He told United’s official website: “I know that he has done a fantastic job at Ajax, and that he is an experienced coach, but we have to give him time.
‘Things must change the way he wants. If he does well, all of Manchester United will be successful, so I wish him well. We are all happy and excited [about his arrival], not only as players, but as fans as well.
“We have to believe that next year we can win titles.”
Ronaldo’s impressive season
While United have endured a disappointing campaign, Ronaldo has impressed individually – scoring 24 goals in all competitions.
Related links:
- Leaked photos show Cristiano Ronaldo wearing new Man Utd kits
- Cristiano Ronaldo holds secret meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson over Man Utd future
- Juan Mata reveals he’ll talk to Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag about his future
