Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has reiterated that Cristiano Ronaldo is still in his plans and questioned why he had gotten the most criticism for the humiliating 4-0 loss at Brentford last Saturday.
Thomas Frank’s side completely destroyed the Red Devils in the first half, and Ten Hag’s team performed horribly due to several individual mistakes.
David de Gea was at fault for the first two goals as United’s defence struggled mightily, but Ronaldo has continued to draw attention to what many have deemed a poor attitude.
It is well known that the 37-year-old wants to keep competing in the Champions League, and there has been an ongoing discussion about whether or not he will be given a way out of Old Trafford. Although they recognise it will be extremely difficult to pull off, CP is interested in bringing Ronaldo back to Lisbon, and sources have confirmed that Ten Hag is willing to approve an exit.
However, Ten Hag has consistently insisted Ronaldo is a part of his plans for Manchester United, and he reiterated that position in his most recent press conference, which was held in advance of Monday’s match with bitter rivals Liverpool.
“I don’t know why he is in focus after Saturday,” Ten Hag said about constant reports about Ronaldo. “It was the team performance and the whole team’s attitude, including Ronaldo. He is in our plans, that’s what I can see.”
In regards to United’s performance against Brentford as a whole, Ten Hag added: “I think I make myself clear, I was definitely not happy. You can talk about football philosophy, but the basic stuff has to be good.
“That starts with the right attitude, a fighting attitude on the pitch. I didn’t see that from minute one. You have to bring it every game.”