Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag sent warning over Cristiano Ronaldo transfer decision

18.07.2022 - 11:13 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Erik ten Hag might feel more comfortable as Manchester United manager without talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.

That is the opinion of ex-Premier League manager Harry Redknapp, as speculation over the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and his Old Trafford future continues to mount. Ronaldo, 37, wants to leave United this summer, but the club insist that he will not be sold.

Chelsea and Bayern Munich are among those to have been linked with a swoop - before downplaying said links - and the Portuguese superstar has also been subject to a mega-money offer from an unnamed Saudi club. Ronaldo has yet to report for pre-season training due to a family issue.

READ MORE: Bayern 'make Ronaldo transfer decision'

Speaking about Ten Hag and the Ronaldo transfer saga, Redknapp told The Mirror: "You look at the team, it's very ordinary. A shortage of good players.

"They have a lack of quality in the midfield, missing that player who can really make them play. Without Ronaldo's goals I don't know where they would have finished, recruitment is going to be key."

Redknapp added: "Some managers don't want big superstars. They're much happier managing a team without the egos and Ronaldo is one of the biggest in world football.

"Maybe he [Ten Hag] feels more comfortable without and it's not like he's come from a big background. He's come from Ajax in Holland and not really yet managed at the top level.

"Suddenly he's going to be working with one of the greatest ever players. Maybe he might feel better off without him. He may say, 'I can come in, get my message across, say what I want and work on how I want to press'. And he [Ronaldo] may not fit into that."

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