'He is ready to start': Erik ten Hag speaks on £27m star ahead of Sociedad clash
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said that Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to start ahead of the club’s Europa League opener against Real Sociedad on Thursday.
The Red Devils are currently one of the in-form sides in the country after four wins on the bounce, and should be favourites to beat Sociedad with home advantage tomorrow.
Ahead of the game, Ten Hag was posed with several questions by the media and one of those involved Ronaldo, who has not started for United since the 4-0 loss at Brentford.
When quizzed over the Portuguese’s role, Ten Hag said that he is ready to start, having been on the bench in recent games.
The Dutch tactician added that everyone in the squad will get their due playing time based on their performances this season.
He said via Manchester Evening News: “He started against Brentford. Then not since but he is ready to start. Maybe I cannot keep all happy every game but everyone gets their game-time if they perform well, quite clear.”
“We need everyone, we have a lot of games to cover in front of us, it’s not only the national teams and the World Cup but the cups in England, the Europa League, the League Cup and, of course, the Premier League.”
Ronaldo will have to earn his place under Ten Hag
Marcus Rashford has led the line for United over the past four league games. He has certainly made his mark with three goals and two assists.
As a result, Ronaldo has been limited to cameo appearances, but the Portuguese has the chance to redeem himself when his opportunity comes.
Judging by Ten Hag’s comments, the £27 million-rated star could start against Sociedad tomorrow. A strong display could improve his minutes in the league.
Sociedad are one of the 37-year-old’s favourite opponents. He has bagged a stunning 15 goals and four assists from just nine meetings against them.
He has been on the winning side on each occasion and United will be aiming for a similar outcome.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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