Erik ten Hag has confirmed he wants to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United next season.
Ten Hag will begin preparations for the new season this week after taking charge of his final game with Ajax on Sunday, as the newly-crowned Dutch champions ended the season with a 2-2 at Vitesse.
Ronaldo’s future has been a source of speculation in recent months following a disappointing season for the Red Devils and announcement of Ten Hag as the club’s new manager, but the Dutchman has sent a message to the Portugal international ahead of his arrival at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag has confirmed he wants to keep the 37-year-old a part of his plans, with Ronaldo having scored 24 goals in all competitions since returning to the Premier League last summer.
“Ronaldo is a giant, because of what he’s already shown and I think he’s still very ambitious,” Ten Hag told De Telegraaf.
“Of course I would like to keep him. He’s been very important to Manchester United this year and can produce great statistics.”
Ronaldo spoke on the impending arrival of Ten Hag last week and said the squad are ‘excited’ at the prospect of challenging for trophies under the 52-year-old’s management.
“What I know about him is he did a fantastic job for Ajax, that he’s an experienced coach,” Ronaldo told the Manchester United website. “But we need to give him time. Things need to change the way he wants.
“I hope we have success, of course, because, if you have success, all of Manchester is going to have success as well. I wish him the best.
“We are happy and excited, not only as players, but the supporters as well. I wish him the best and let’s believe that, next year, we are going to win trophies.”
