Cristiano Ronaldo in training for Manchester United. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale amid interest from Chelsea. He insisted that the 37-year-old is part of his plans for next season while speaking in his latest press conference as cited by Manchester Evening News (h/t football.london).
Ronaldo had expressed his desire to leave the club as he was said to be unhappy with the recruitment of new players by the club and also his desire to play Champions League football and challenge for some trophies. Chelsea were tipped to be the most favourable destination, but according to ESPN, the Blues have been hesitant to escalate their interest.
The 37-year-old Portuguese did not travel with the squad for their pre-season to Thailand, citing family reasons. He was expected to report last Monday, but he hasn’t done so yet. However, his manager is optimistic and has included him in his plans for next season.
“He hasn’t told me this [that he wants to leave].I have read, but as I say, Cristiano is not for sale, he’s in our plans and we want to get success together.”
ERIK TEN HAG ON RONALDO
Thomas Tuchel has been revamping his squad ahead of next season. The Blues were very inconsistent in front of the goal last season. Their record-signing Romelu Lukaku could not perform up to the expected level and has been shipped back to Inter Milan on a season-long loan.
The German tactician is left with his countrymen Kai Havertz and Timo Werner as the choices to play in the middle up front. The two had a combined 25-goal contribution between them in all competitions last season. This further highlights the inconsistency in front of the goal for those at Stamford Bridge.
Armando Broja is another option that Tuchel has. The Albanian spent last season on loan at Southampton, where he emerged as one of the best young strikers in the league. However, considering that he is still inexperienced, Tuchel would most probably use him as a backup rather than a regular starter.
With reports indicating that Raheem Sterling is very close to becoming a Blue, he could be used as a potential number nine, having played in that position at times for Manchester City. However, an out-and-out striker is needed and Tuchel will be aware of that.
The Blues would hope to add a potential improvement before the window closes or they could be headed towards another frustrating season in front of goal. It remains to be seen if Tuchel gets in a proper number nine or rotates different attackers in that position.
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