Whether or not Erik ten Hag has already solved the Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo problem remains to be seen. We take a look at His relationship with the Real Madrid striker, His pressing style and budget for the team. We then discuss if Ten Hag is the right choice for the job. After all, who better to run the team than a manager with Ronaldo’s ego?
Erik ten Hag’s appointment as interim manager of Manchester United
Since the interim manager’s appointment, many players have been linked with the Red Devils. Frenkie de Jong is a potential arrival, while Christian Eriksen and Brazilian forward Antony are still a mystery. But there are a few things United fans should know. The club is in a difficult position and it’s important to get their next appointment right.
A former Borussia Dortmund defender, Jadon Sancho has been a star for the Bundesliga club in his short stint with the club. He was twice named to the Bundesliga’s team of the year. He will continue to be a crucial part of United’s future, but a new manager will be essential in reinvigorating the squad’s midfield.
The decision to hire Ten Hag as an interim manager should be a good one for the club. His appointment could help to improve relations within the dressing room, but there’s still a lack of leadership among the players. The team’s owners and board of directors should support Ten Hag fully, as they did with Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.
The Frenchman’s absence has been felt across the team, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial the two main threats to the team. Unfortunately, Cristiano Ronaldo appears to be on the verge of leaving Old Trafford in the summer. Thankfully, there are a few bright spots. Recent friendlies have shown Anthony Martial is back to his best. A new coach will also bring in the young star who spent the last six months on loan at Sevilla.
While the appointment of Ten Hag as interim manager of Manchester Utd might have solved the Cristiano Ronaldo issue, there are some major issues that remain. First and foremost, the club’s squad is thin. Several players have left their contract early. A lack of depth means that the squad needs to be bolstered in other areas. In the meantime, a squad that includes young players is in good shape.
His relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo
The first question to ask about the future of Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United is whether he has met his match fitness requirements. The Portuguese forward has a reputation for being a hard worker and a great trainer, and he certainly knows how to work up a sweat. But, does he have what it takes to succeed at United? It’s certainly possible. Let’s take a closer look at this issue.
It’s a complex issue, but if Ten Hag’s ambitions for the club are high enough, the Portuguese international may just be the answer. According to a report in The Mirror, the former Real Madrid and Juventus striker is confident in working with United’s new manager. After all, United haven’t won a trophy since 2007 and they need Ronaldo to win more trophies.
After the signing of Fred, a new coach at Manchester United is expected to restructure the midfield. The team’s problem in midfield is the lack of midfield talent. Even Paul Pogba admits he doesn’t tackle well, while Fred shows glimpses of the midfield’s potential. The midfield has been a weakness for United under Van Gaal.
While it is highly unlikely that the club will mount a league challenge this season, they will be strong enough to compete in the cup competitions. However, United will not be strong enough to mount a serious title challenge next year. This means that the Portuguese star must adjust to the new style of play in Manchester. The club has not been active in the transfer market this summer and Ten Hag is not publicly supportive of the transfer of Ronaldo.
His pressing style
If Erik ten Hag has solved the problems of Cristiano Ronaldo with his pressing style, the Portuguese forward will surely have no problem finding the net this season. Ten Hag has been appointed as manager of Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. His PS120 million budget will not be enough to buy world-class players, and most top players would prefer to join clubs that play Champions League football.
The pressing style of Ten Hag’s sides is a proven formula for success, as they have dominated opposition play in their own area. The four forwards press the opponents and cut off their passing lines, taking positions to shoot and create opportunities. Ten Hag has also brought in some new signings, including Daley Blind, who fit in perfectly with the pressing style.
In terms of player selection, the Dutch coach has a number of options to choose from, with the Portuguese striker possibly having the most options. Despite being 37 years old, Ronaldo is still in incredible physical shape, and has only one year remaining on his contract. He is expected to stay until the end of the season and even then, it is possible that he may decide to leave the club before the start of the next season.
If the Portuguese boss had hired a coach with the experience of an Ajax coach, he would not have a problem attracting a top-class player to Old Trafford. It’s not surprising that Ten Hag has been linked with the job, as he has managed Ajax to great success. During his time as Ajax manager, he managed the Dutch club to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
His budget
If it was up to the players and the board, Erik ten Hag might have already solved Manchester’s Cristiano Ronaldo dilemma. The Norwegian tactician has spoken to United’s top brass, telling them that Ronaldo isn’t suited to their approach and style of play. If he’s right, United might be able to lure Ronaldo away from Real Madrid.
There are a few issues with Manchester United’s defensive strategy. Last season, they seemed to lack purpose. Manager Brian Rangnick wanted them to press, but they couldn’t do so with Ronaldo leading the line. And when they did press, it was often because the team relied on Ronaldo’s goals to avoid embarrassment. However, Ten Hag’s idea of football has worked wonders for the Red Devils in recent pre-season games.
If United are to compete in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag’s style of football would fit in well. The Portuguese has elite aerial skills and clever movement in the box, and if he is able to play in this system, he should have no trouble scoring. However, if United are to beat Real Madrid and the Portuguese team, they must get Ronaldo to play well in the attacking third.
There is another problem that United face with Ronaldo: he’s way too big for the team. Moreover, he has unrealistic expectations of himself and others. And it is unlikely that he will take criticism well. Manchester United need to find a solution to this problem. The club have lost their identity in recent years, so they need to find an identity. A new manager who can match his demands would be a good choice for this.
His transfer targets
If Ronaldo’s future is at stake at Manchester United, then it might be time for a new coach to approach the Portuguese. Several clubs have been linked with the striker, including Barcelona, and the former Real Madrid star wants to move to the Premier League. However, a new manager would have a blank slate. It is therefore not surprising that Ten Hag would want to work with Ronaldo this season and next.
After losing to Everton and Watford last season, the Red Devils need something to get their hearts racing again. A loss against Liverpool, Everton, or Watford will not do that. It is unlikely to happen in a single pre-season or transfer window. If Manchester United are to have any chance of overcoming their current slump, they will have to give Erik ten Hag time and money to get the team back to the top.
If the manager wants to keep Ronaldo, he must work with him and his teammates to ensure that they strike a balance between their individual strengths and weaknesses. Ronaldo won’t get Manchester United to where they want to be without the help of his teammates. The players are reportedly buying into the changes ten Hag has made to the team and are showing great progress in pre-season.
Ten Hag is known for his tough, high-energy training. This is a key component of his approach, as many top players in Europe play possession-based football. This isn’t the best matchup for the Portuguese winger, as the Portuguese rarely plays passively. The new coach is unlikely to change this dynamic. However, it might help to understand the role of Ten Hag in the current situation.
