Erik ten Hag confirms Cristiano Ronaldo IS in his Man Utd plans but refuses to confirm Harry Maguire as his captain
NEW Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo IS in his plans next season.
But the Dutchman refused to confirm whether Harry Maguire will remain as captain.
Ten Hag held his first press conference following his switch from Ajax.
And the 52-year-old will have provided some music to United fans' ears when asked about the Portuguese superstar.
After being asked if Ronaldo is in his plans, Ten Hag answered: "Of course!"
The boss was then asked what Ronaldo brings, to which he responded "goals".
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This provided some laughter in the conference room.
Ten Hag was then asked what he wants to see from Ronaldo, to which he snappily answered: "I talk first with Ronaldo before I talk with you."
The new United gaffer however REFUSED to confirm Harry Maguire would be his captain next season.
The question was then put to Ten Hag, where he failed to give a definitive answer on whether a new captain will be appointed.
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He said of Maguire: "I have to repeat, next season is a different season but I think he did a great job.
"He is a great player, he achieved a lot, also the contribution to Manchester United.
"So I'm looking forward to working with him."
Outgoing boss Ralf Rangnick has recently suggested the players should vote for a new captain.
It came after a series of shaky performances from Maguire that saw him lose his place in the team.
Ronaldo has enjoyed a fine season back at United, which can't be said for many of his under-performing team-mates.
The 37-year-old scored 24 goals in 31 games in all competitions - yet there were still rumours around whether he would be at Old Trafford next season.
But Ten Hag has confirmed CR7 is very much in his thinking as he attempts to restore the club to former glories.
Ronaldo missed United's last game of the season against Crystal Palace with an injury.
His absence was clearly felt, with Ralf Rangick ending his spell as manager on a 1-0 defeat.
And former Red Devil Wilfried Zaha scoring the matchwinner will have been an even bitterer pill to to swallow.
Ronaldo rejoined United from Juventus last summer - inking a two-year deal for his second stint at Old Trafford.
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SunSport, however, understands the superstar held talks with agent Jorge Mendes about leaving the club earlier this year.
Rangnick will take on a consultancy role at Old Trafford, with Ten Hag taking full control.
