Erik ten Hag suggests Manchester United will not miss Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag does not want to dwell in the past and wants to focus on the future

Manchester United are in Spain to utilize the World Cup break with those players who did not receive the national team call-up/not part of the World Cup and along with the youth setup. Amidst this, Red Devils’ manager, Erik ten Hag, has made it clear in a recent interview that they are looking beyond Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking for the first time since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, the Dutch manager mentioned that the 37-year-old is gone and the Old Trafford outfit are looking towards the future.

After Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan, where the 37-year-old said he has no respect for his manager, Manchester United decided to part ways with its “beloved son” and indicated their support towards Erik ten Hag. In the interview, the manager said:

"He’s gone and it’s the pastWe are now looking forward and we’re looking to the future.(Via: Sky Sports)"

Manchester United are set to play Cadiz and Real Betis in the club friendlies during the warm weather training. The gaffer and the Premier League club’s intention is to get the players fitter than before the FIFA World Cup break.

During the same interview, Erik ten Hag stated the importance of the “right characters” in the dressing room, with the club aiming for the top four and multiple accolades. He said:

"The human being behind is also an important factor, but you can’t underestimate that. You need the right characters in your dressing room, not only if you want to win a game but if you want to win trophies(Via: Sky Sports)"

Cristiano Ronaldo in FIFA World Cup 2022

In the World Cup, the Portuguese player has had a hard time. The player has just a goal to his name in three starts/ four appearances. In the pre-quarterfinals against Switzerland, Fernando Santos benched the 37-year-old for Goncalo Ramos who scored a hat trick to seal a 6-1 win for Portugal. Portugal awaits Morocco in the quarterfinal of the quadrennial event.

• Erik ten Hag may pay the price for not signing Cody Gakpo
• The 14 Man Utd players playing in the FIFA World Cup
• The legacy Wayne Rooney left behind at Old Trafford

What next for Erik ten Hag and Ronaldo?

Cristiano Ronaldo is a free agent at the moment and has only one offer in his hand. The Portuguese veteran has an offer from Al-Nassr who are willing to pay €200m per year until 2025. However, the player is yet to agree to any deal and his focus is on the World Cup.

On the other hand, Erik ten Hag will resume the club football duties on 21st December as Manchester United face Burnley in the Round of 16 of the Carabao Cup. He will also want to add firepower to the attacking line-up in the January transfer window as the Old Trafford outfit finds themselves light in the attacking department.

Who will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s replacement at Manchester United? Have your say below!