Expert suggests ‘sensational bust-up’ between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag after Man United news
Cristiano Ronaldo will not have a “sensational bust-up” with Erik ten Hag when he returns to Man United training, according to Alex McLeish.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Scotland manager insisted there will be a “mutual respect” between player and manager.
Ronaldo has not returned to pre-season training with the club this summer citing personal reasons.
As quoted by the Guardian earlier this week (18 July) Ten Hag revealed he had still not spoken to the 37-year-old and he does not know if he will be at Carrington when United return from their pre-season tour next week.
It has been widely reported that Ronaldo has told the club he wants to quit Old Trafford this summer.
Asked how the first meeting of Ten Hag and Ronaldo could go, McLeish told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I think there has to be a mutual respect.
“You would think the number of years that Ronaldo has been in the top leagues playing football that he will ultimately have respect for the leader, the manager of the team.
“I wouldn’t expect Ronaldo to be unprofessional about that. I feel he will have serious talks, grown-up talks with the manager and do what is right for the whole package, United.
“It’s not about what is right for Ronaldo, he’ll have his own thoughts about that. He’s mature enough and knowledgeable enough to know what he really wants to do.
“There will be no reason for him to have a sensational bust-up with the manager, per se.”
In other news, a club has agreed in principle to sign a Man United 22-year-old who is on the pre-season tour.