Senior Man Utd figures turn on Ronaldo as Ten Hag issue sparks mass clear-out talk
Sections of the hierarchy at Man Utd have concluded Cristiano Ronaldo must be axed this summer amid fears over the playing style of manager-to-be Erik ten Hag.
The Ajax boss, 52, appears on course to become the next permanent manager at Manchester United. Ten Hag would bring a winning mentality having helped Ajax to dominate Dutch football since taking charge in 2017.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently detailed why a total agreement is yet to be reached.
The trusted journalist revealed Ten Hag is angling to ensure he has sufficient power to oversee the project as he sees fit.
Furthermore, Romano noted discussions with Manchester United chiefs are still ongoing with avoiding disastrous transfer mistakes that have plagued recent managers on Ten Hag’s mind.
While it would be a stretch to put Cristiano Ronaldo’s return in that category, few can argue the Portuguese icon was not the type of addition the club needed last summer.
And per the Daily Mail, if Ten Hag does get the job, Ronaldo could be pushed out of the door before playing a game under the Dutchman.
They state ‘senior figures’ at Old Trafford have concluded that Ronaldo should be ‘encouraged to leave’ in the summer.
Ronaldo has another year left on his contract, while the club hold an option for a further 12 months.
Ronaldo could lead exodus of senior stars
The reasoning behind this new stance stems from the type of football Ten Hag would implement.
The Dutchman deploys a high intensity, pressing style in Amsterdam. At 37, Ronaldo is clearly unsuited to that style of play.
Ronaldo was again a passenger on Saturday as United fell to a dismal 1-0 defeat against Everton.
The striker has shown flashes of his mercurial best this season, though there are seemingly doubts as to whether Ten Hag should be saddled with such a huge question mark to begin his reign.
The article adds ‘other older players’ could also be moved on who are also ‘unable to play in such a system’.
No further names are mentioned, though common sense would dictate the likes of Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata will be at risk. The latter two are free agents this summer anyway.
Whether United would indeed axe Ronaldo after just one year remains to be seen.
The report indicates the decision could be made by Joel Glazer and the board, thus suggesting the call may be made with commercial and financial reasons in mind, not footballing ones.
