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Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag insists that he and Cristiano Ronaldo are both “on the same page” and that the forward will not be leaving Old Trafford on deadline day.
The 37-year-old’s future with the Red Devils has been questioned throughout this summer, with the Portugal international still believed to be pushing for a move to a club competing in the Champions League.
However, there appear to be a limited number of potential suitors for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as the likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli are all understood to have turned down the chance to sign him.
Both Sporting Lisbon and Rangers have recently been credited with an interest, but his chances of a late exit before Thursday’s 11pm deadline now seem to be slim.
After missing the majority of pre-season, Ronaldo has since started only one of United’s opening four Premier League matches of the new season, failing to score or provide an assist.
Reports earlier this summer suggested that the forward has shown his frustration during a number of training sessions and has isolated himself from the rest of the first-team squad.
Despite this, Ten Hag insists that Ronaldo is content at the club and will play an important role in any system the Dutchman decides to use this season.
When asked by reporters whether he has recently spoken to Ronaldo about his future, Ten Hag said: “Several times, yes. We are on the same page. [He is happy to stay] otherwise he wouldn’t be here.”
The 52-year-old added: “The way of playing, the set of demands, you can see in training Ronaldo has the ability.
“He will fit in because… I don’t have to explain, he is a great player with great capabilities. He will fit in every system and every style. We are on one page, and he knows what the demands are.”
Earlier this month, Ronaldo stated that he will soon set the record straight about his future in a tell-all interview, after hitting out at the “lies” surrounding his position at Old Trafford.
A statement on the player’s official Instagram account read: “They know the truth when they interview in a couple weeks. The media is telling lies.
“I have a notebook and in the last few months of the 100 news I made, only 5 were right. Imagine how it is. Stick with that tip.”
Ronaldo returned to Man United last summer from Juventus and scored 24 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, but his form in front of goal was not enough to help the Red Devils end their five-year drought without silverware.
The forward, who is set to be in contention to play against Leicester City on Thursday night, has less than 12 months remaining on his contract at Old Trafford.
