Erik ten Hag knows exactly what to expect from Cristiano Ronaldo. When asked about what the Portuguese forward will deliver for Manchester United next season in his first press conference on Monday morning, the new boss simply stated: "goals."
07.05.2022 - 22:03 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Cristiano Ronaldo could not help but laugh as Manchester United collapsed in dramatic fashion against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Seagulls scored three times inside the opening 15 minutes of the second half to fire themselves into a commanding 4-0 lead, following Moises Caicedo's first-half strike. Marc Cucurella doubled their advantage just four minutes into the second half before Pascal Gross and Leandro Trossard both scored in the space of three minutes to ensure they had a four-goal cushion before the clock hit the hour mark.
Although United failed to cover themselves in glory for the defending leading up to Cucurella's first Brighton goal, it was even worse when Gross made it 3-0. The German danced his way through the United defence with ease and eventually stroked the ball into the far corner past David de Gea.
READ MORE: Brighton vs Manchester United LIVE
As he raced away to celebrate, most of United's players, particularly on the defensive side of the pitch, stood looking at each other in disbelief. Ronaldo, though, could not help but smile and laugh about what had happened.
Stood in the centre circle, the Portugal international laughed to himself. It had a real feel of an 'if you don't laugh, you'll cry' moment.
It just about summarised the current state United find themselves in. The defeat in the south coast has officially ended their top-four ambitions, even though they were already hanging by a thread ahead of kick-off.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
Erik ten Hag knows exactly what to expect from Cristiano Ronaldo. When asked about what the Portuguese forward will deliver for Manchester United next season in his first press conference on Monday morning, the new boss simply stated: "goals."
Here are your Manchester United morning headlines for Tuesday, May 24.
Erik ten Hag insists Cristiano Ronaldo can have a role in his Manchester United team next season.
Juan Mata has detailed the training ground conversations he's had with Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo this season. Mata was expected to be leaving Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of next month, though he recently revealed he will discuss his future with incoming boss Erik ten Hag.
Incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his excitement to work with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo - quashing uncertainty surrounding the Portugal captain's future.
Robbie Savage came up with the perfect caption as his son Charlie was spotted talking to Cristiano Ronaldo during Manchester United training on Tuesday.
Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand is adamant that Cristiano Ronaldo will play a part in Erik ten Hag's plans at Old Trafford next season, insisting there is a "100 per cent chance."
Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala has previously admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo can be "difficult to deal with" amid reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha believes Erling Haaland will have a huge impact on the Blues in more ways than one, insisting his arrival in the Premier League is comparable to Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United last summer.
Incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag appears to have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will be a key part of his plans at Old Trafford next season.
Cristiano Ronaldo has warned that Erik ten Hag will need time to be a success at Manchester United, though he retains hope that the club will challenge for trophies next season.
Manchester United's FA Youth Cup hero Alejandro Garnacho has paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following his two-goal haul at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.
Crisiano Ronaldo cut a very frustrated and fed up character during and after Manchester United’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton on Saturday.
Cristiano Ronaldo's sister has 'liked' an Instagram post calling for him to leave Manchester United this summer.
Graeme Souness has agreed with Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo's claim about the culture at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked fans for voting him as Manchester United’s April player of the month.
Rene Meulensteen has told Manchester United that Cristiano Ronaldo is not the problem at Old Trafford this season.
An advert for Manchester United's summer tour featuring Cristiano Ronaldo has been leaked. But despite the suggestion that it could hint at the superstar's plans to remain with the Reds next season, some are not convinced.
Cristiano Ronaldo very rarely needs to be given any incentive to perform, but he may have been given just that ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Brighton this weekend.