Erik ten Hag secretly ‘buzzing’ after Cristiano Ronaldo latest at Man United – pundit
Erik ten Hag will be secretly “buzzing” Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Man United, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer claimed Ten Hag will be “delighted” as Ronaldo would not have been a major part of his plans for 2022-23.
A recruitment source told Football Insider on Saturday (3 July) that the new manager was willing to let the 37-year-old go if he could find a replacement amid interest from Porto.
The Times reported the same day that the legendary forward had now requested to leave Old Trafford this summer as he enters the final 12 months of his current contract.
According to the Athletic on Tuesday (5 July), Ronaldo is yet to report back for pre-season training due to personal reasons and it is unclear whether he will be the squad that tours Australia and Thailand at the end of the week.
Asked what impact the news will have on the dressing room, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “You would just be disappointed.
“You’ve just lost Pogba, then Ronaldo’s going to leave players will look up to him and see he’s meant to love the club and it just shows there is no loyalty to football from clubs to players and players to clubs.
“If there is something better for Ronaldo, he will go, he will drop Man United immediately, he doesn’t care.
“I’m sure it’s very disappointing for Man United fans and he’s ruining his legacy. When they needed him Man United fans will remember that he jumped ship.
“Even Ten Hag, he is probably buzzing deep down. He’s probably delighted because he wouldn’t have started him too much next season anyway.
In other news, an expert has issued a “mind-blowing” verdict after a Man United “time bomb” claim – “this is scary”.