Erik ten Hag & Cristiano Ronaldo ‘on the same page’ claims Man Utd manager as transfer talked dismissed

Erik ten Hag has said he and Cristiano Ronaldo are ‘on the same page’ and claimed the striker ‘is happy’ to remain at the club.

The future of Manchester United’s No.7 has been the source of repeated speculation this summer, with the attacker linked with a move away from the club.

But having failed to reach an agreement with another side, Ronaldo looks set to stay, something United and Ten Hag have always maintained would happen.

“From the start we said we’d plan with him so that is your vision, it’s not my vision,” said the former Ajax manager ahead of the clash with Leicester City on Thursday.

“I think we are happy with him, he’s happy to be here and we want to make this season a success together.”

Asked if he has spoken to Ronaldo about the situation, Ten Hag responded: “Several times, yeah. We are on one page. Otherwise he wasn’t here.”

The former Ajax boss was also adamant that Ronaldo can fit into his team and tactics, despite the 37-year-old struggling to press or link with team-mates last season.

“The way of play sets the demands,” explained the United boss. “You can see in training it’s clear that he has the capabilities. So he will fit in because he’s - I don’t have to explain - a great player. He has great capabilities, so he will fit in every system or in every style.”

Asked if Ronaldo has responded to his methods in training, Ten Hag said: “Yes, [it’s] clear. That’s why we’re talking. I said we are on one page and he knows what the demand is.”

The Dutchman also said he plans to play Antony from the right wing when his transfer from Ajax is completed, although repeatedly emphasised that a deal has not yet been finalised.

“It’s difficult to talk about a player we didn’t sign but we announced we wanted to do it,” he said. “But definitely he’s one with the right fighting spirit.”

United are expected to wrap up the deal for the Brazilian on deadline day, along with a loan move for Martin Dubravka, while James Garner looks set to join Everton.