Despite a difficult first season back at Manchester United and never-ending transfer rumours, Cristiano Ronaldo has committed himself to the Red Devils and their new coach Erik ten Hag.
Sixth place, the lowest points tally in years and missed qualification for the Champions League – the first year back at Manchester United also went anything but according to plan for Cristiano Ronaldo. Nevertheless, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner committed himself to the Red Devils in an interview with club media and directly set high goals for himself and the team for the coming season.
He was nervous before his first game back at the famous Old Trafford (4-1 win against Newcastle), the 37-year-old told of the promising start to the season, but “it all went well, I scored two goals and thought it was nice”. He was also otherwise delighted with his return to Manchester, where he had played before moving to Real Madrid from 2003 to 2009. “I was happy to be back at the club that took my career to new heights,” CR7 said. “It feels good to be back and to feel the fans. I was and still am very happy to be here,” he added.
In his first year back, the Portuguese was also directly the Red Devils’ top scorer by far, scoring 18 times in 30 league games. He also scored six goals in seven Champions League games. For the coming year, he set high goals for himself and the team: “The most important thing for me is to win games and bring a trophy to Manchester,” Cristiano Ronaldo said. “I believe that Manchester United will get back to where it belongs. Sometimes it takes a while, but I strongly believe in it. “
“Wish him only the best “
After playing under only one coach in his first spell at United, the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, CR7 is now in his second season with a third coach: interim coach Ralf Rangnick has been succeeded by Erik ten Hag, who was previously in charge at Ajax Amsterdam, as he takes over at the Red Devils – and makes the next attempt to lead the traditional club back to the top of English football.
“I know he has done a fantastic job with Ajax and is an experienced coach,” the Portuguese praised the new man in charge, but also issued a warning: “You have to give him time to change things the way he wants.”
“Everyone here at the club, players and fans, is looking forward to him,” Cristiano Ronaldo said, describing the reaction to the Dutchman’s signing. “I wish him the best and hope we can win titles together next year.” A commitment for now – and yet it remains to be seen whether CR7 and ten Hag can actually lead the record champions back to the throne of the Premier League together – a place where city rivals Manchester City and arch-rivals Liverpool currently seem far apart.
