Dutch Ballon d’Or winner issues Cristiano Ronaldo warning to Ten Hag
The former Balon d’Or winner has sent severe counsel to his compatriot ahead of his summer move to Manchester United.
Marco van Basten, a Dutch football icon, has cautioned incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag not to bench Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 57-year-old former Ajax and Milan player believes that the Portuguese superstar’s efficiency in front of goal makes him a vital member of the Red Devils and that calls for the player to be released should not be welcomed by his countrymen.
Ronaldo has been a key member of Manchester United since his surprise return from Juventus last summer.
Despite the club’s difficulties this season, the five-time Balon d’Or champion remains the club’s leading goalscorer in all competitions, with 22 goals in 35 appearances.
Over the weekend, the former Real Madrid and Juventus player was on target once more as they were defeated 3-1 by Arsenal. Prior to that, he had scored a hat-trick against Norwich City in his previous Premier League appearance.
Erik ten Hag’s appointment as Manchester United manager is intended to launch the club into a new era. Former Netherlands international Marco van Basten has advised his compatriot to stick with Ronaldo as a lot of players are about to be shown the exit door.
“If Ronaldo carries on playing like he did last week [against Norwich] and scores two or three goals in a match on a regular basis, there is no need to take him out of the team,” Van Basten told The Rondo Show.
“Ronaldo is a player who does his own thing, but as long as he delivers, you have to give him a place in the team.
“Ten Hag will take into account that he cannot ask the same things physically from Cristiano Ronaldo that he will be asking of an 18-year-old.
“Of course Ronaldo will need to work hard – but I am sure he will work hard because I can see Ten Hag having an influence on him to get him to play how he wants,” he added.
Manchester United are currently on the danger of missing out on Champions League status for next season. It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo’s future will be affected by the club’s fate.
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Dutch Ballon d’Or winner issues Cristiano Ronaldo warning to Ten Hag
