Back in July, this year, Manchester United were on their pre-season trip to Thailand and Australia and Cristiano Ronaldo was in Portugal, for ‘family reasons” meaning he wanted to get a transfer. Everybody acted cool and when asked about him, coach Erik Ten Hag replied that “Ronaldo is a top professional and he will be fit” when he rejoins the squad. The transfer didn’t happen, the Portuguese had to come back to the squad, and he still forced the move, but….1st September is over, all the clubs he considered have refused the chance to sign him, and he is not stuck with a new coach and new tactics. But he has faced another Ten Hag now.🗣 Erik ten Hag on Ronaldo: “He showed it [his abilities] last year and not that long ago so now he needs to fit in our way of playing, if he does that, he will decide the games because of his capabilities.” [Sky Sports]— UtdDistrict 🔰 (@UtdDistrict) September 4, 2022 The Dutch tactician always said he wanted to keep Ronaldo, but he never said he would be the starter. And now, when the transfer window is shut, Ten Hag can be himself, and say out loud what Ronaldo is lacking. He is lacking pre-season, which was essential for the new tactics, and yes, he lacks fitness after all.“I will be his friend. Sometimes I will be his teacher. It depends on the situation. As we all know, he didn’t have the pre-season and you cannot miss the pre-season, it’s a base. Especially the game we play, the way of play is not the type in comparison with last year. It depends on the demands, co-operation and demands certain positioning, in and out of possession. And the other thing is the fitness” said Ten Hag ahead of the game with Arsenal for which Ronaldo will probably start from the bench.Ronaldo wanted to demote Maguire, change tactics to his likingUnlike Cristiano, there is another player Ten Hag wanted, he got it (for a hefty price) and then he was criticized-Lisandro Martinez. The Dutch tactician had to read all articles about the Argentinian ‘butcher’ who won’t be able to play in the Premier League because he is so small, etc. but he was happy to explain the reasons why he believed in him (and other transferred players), now that he had a couple of good games.“I wanted him. Ball-playing but also you see his defending capabilities. His toughness, his positioning, his anticipating. Togetherness. I know what he is able to do. He has pace. He is doing well but he has to do much better. The players who we signed are internationals for their countries. Secondly, they have performed really well in the Champions League. And third also, they have individual skills, they are capable of playing high-intensity football, the players we selected. The players we recruited” said Ten Hag.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 6SaturdayEverton – Liverpool 0-0Brentford – Leeds 5-2 (2-1)/Toney 30 pen, 43, 58, Mbeumo 80, Wissa 90+2 – Sinisterra 45+1, Roca 79/Chelsea – West Ham 2-1 (0-0)/Chilwell 76, Havertz 88 – Antonio 62/Newcastle – Crystal Palace 0-0Nottingham Forest – Bournemouth 2-3 (2-0)/Kouyate 34, Johnson 45+2 – Billing 51, Solanke 63, Anthony 87/Tottenham – Fulham 2-1 (1-0)/Hojberg 40, Kane 75 – Mitrovic 83/Wolves – Southampton 1-0 (1-0)/Podence 45+1/Aston Villa – Manchester City 1-1 (0-0)/Bailey 74 – Haaland 50/Sunday 16.00: (1.96) Brighton (3.50) Leicester (4.50)18.30: (2.70) Man.Utd. (3.35) Arsenal (2.80)***odds are subject to change
