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.
Ten Hag, who is expected to arrive in England today (Monday), made the admission after taking charge of Ajax for the final time on Sunday afternoon. He watched his side wrap up the Eredivisie campaign with a 2-2 draw away from home against Vitesse Arnhem, just four days after clinching their latest league title.
Edson Alvarez netted an 87th-minute equaliser for the Amsterdam giants to ensure Ten Hag avoided a defeat in his final game in charge. Vitesse had turned the game on its head after Brian Brobbey had handed Ajax an early lead.
READ MORE: Erik ten Hag already has five players who can help mould the future of Manchester United
But although Ajax's players and staff are now set to celebrate their 36th league title with a party on holiday, Ten Hag has rejected the chance to join them, instead switching full focus to matters at Old Trafford. Despite rumours suggesting that he could take charge against Crystal Palace this forthcoming Sunday, he will not pick up the baton from Ralf Rangnick until this season has reached its conclusion.
However, that did not stop Ten Hag from addressing matters at United following his final game in charge of Ajax on Sunday. He was quizzed about his upcoming role in England and the future of Ronaldo.
Speculation about the future of the Portugal captain has been rife in recent weeks, with United's failure to qualify for the Champions League threatening to dictate the 37-year-old's future at the club. However, Ten Hag, although he did not give too much away, hinted that he wants Ronaldo to be central to his plans next season.
"From tomorrow (Monday), my focus will be on United, and I will of course get deep into things there," Ten Hag admitted. "What I have to say about it is, the detailed analysis still has to begin, I still have to work with the team, but let me be clear that at United there are a lot of good players around.
"We have to make them function as a team but definitely Ronaldo, he is a giant."
Therefore, despite Ten Hag knowing that he needs to be allowed to make significant changes to the squad this summer, it appears that he wants to keep hold of the former Real Madrid man and utilise his talents. Despite the troubles United have faced this season, Ronaldo has been a shining light in his first season back in England, netting 24 goals in all competitions.
Ronaldo is under contract at United for just over another 12 months and has the option of an additional year, should both parties wish to exercise it. But even if the five-time Ballon d'Or winner does stay at the club this forthcoming summer, the Reds are expected to be in the market for another striker to replace the outgoing Edinson Cavani.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
