ERIC TEN HAGG is ready to build his team around missing legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
And he will keep Harry Maguire as captain to restore his confidence as well.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear he wants to leave Old Trafford this summerCredit: Getty
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Ronaldo is in Man United manager Erik ten Hag’s plans for the new season – and the Dutchman wants to build around the PortugueseCredit: EPA
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Ronaldo posted a picture of him training with his family and friendsCredit: Instagram / @cristiano
New boss Ten Hag has no idea when Ronaldo, 37, will return after missing the start of United’s tour for “family reasons”.
He is currently training alone in Portugal as speculation over his future continues and posted a photo alongside Cristiano Jr and former Sporting academy teammates Jose Semedo and Miguel Paixão on Monday.
He captioned the photo: “Job Done.”
Asked if the superstar could adapt to his pressing system, Ten Hag said: “Cristiano is capable of doing that. He has shown everything in his career.
“I made my request. We want to play a certain way. A top player can contribute and Ronaldo is absolutely the top player in our team.
“The players dictate the way you play. Especially footballers who score goals because they are extremely important for a team. You build your team around them.
When Ten Hag was asked about triggering Ronaldo’s extension, he added: “I am well informed that he has an option as well.
“Yes [he could stay beyond next season]. Of course I signed here for three years, but in football that’s also short-term.”
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Ronaldo has been linked with a return to Spain with Atletico Madrid, but United are yet to receive a firm offer for him.
That leaves the Portuguese veteran with the prospect of starting the new season with United, but Ten Hag have no doubt he will be ready.
He said: “We all know Ronaldo is a top professional and he will be fit, that’s my last concern.”
Asked if he would be joining the rest of the squad at Carrington on their return, Ten Hag said: “I can’t tell you. Not yet.”
Meanwhile, Ten Hag backed under fire Maguire to shine after retaining the armband.
He said, “It might help. I will support him wherever I can. Ultimately, he has to make it on his own, and he has the qualities to do so.
“He has proven it in the past, but he has to prove it in the present and in the future. The captain is really important and I am happy with him.
“He has played 60 times for England. Harry is really impressive and I expect a lot from him.
“But there is also internal competition and that is what a club like Man United needs. You cannot win with 11 players. We need a squad, especially this season with so many games.
“We have the Europa League, the Premier League and the World Cup, so we need a full squad with quality players, not quantity.”
Ten Hag continue their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
He said: “We are looking for a player who can play as a holding midfielder, but it has to be the right one. There are not many in this position capable of the level we require. We will strike the moment the player is available.
“I would like to sign English players. There is only one criterion and that is the quality combined with the price. English players seem to be quite expensive.’
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