Ronaldo takes the camera during the lap of honor and addresses Ten Hag


Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 00:40• Jeroen van Poppel

Cristiano Ronaldo sent a clear message on Monday evening after the resounding victory against Brentford (3-0). The 37-year-old Manchester United superstar walked off the pitch satisfied after his starring role to thank the crowd at Old Trafford, and remarkably enough turned directly to the camera of English television. †I am not finished“, said Ronaldo, who, already graying, sent a direct message to Erik ten Hag, for example.

At the same time, it was Ronaldo’s response to his critics. The star attacker was described as ‘one of the problems’ of the extremely stiff United during the season in England, and on talk shows Ten Hag was advised more than once to say goodbye to the superstar when he joined United next summer. Ronaldo showed himself on the field in recent weeks as an indispensable force for his team and made a razor-sharp impression again on Monday in the last home game of the season. He propelled his side against Brentford to a simple win against Brentford with a fine penalty kick, taking his season tally to 30 goals in all official games, a minimum he has now achieved since the 2009/10 season.

The Portuguese himself was visibly pleased with his performance and was sung to by Old Trafford afterwards. When making his lap of honour, Ronaldo stated en passant that he had absolutely no intention of leaving: “I am not ready yet.” In ‘s studio Sky Sports Roy Keane also expects Ten Hag to continue with the routine. “It doesn’t make sense to let Ronaldo go,” said the former midfielder. Manchester United have bigger problems than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Keane knows that the challenge that awaits Ten Hag is enormous. “Ronaldo is forcing it to stay with performances, but Manchester United have to get players around him. They have to bring in other strikers, there has to be competition,” said the former club captain. “If the club’s top scorer, the man you depend on, is 37 years old, that’s certainly not good, but I would definitely keep Ronaldo.”

Jamie Carragher, also present as pundit, Ten Hag advises to sit down with Ronaldo immediately. “I think a top manager will come in, have a conversation with him and take out that ‘nonsense’, like it was at Brentford,” said the former defender, explaining what he means. “Ronaldo was substituted and shook his head for 15 minutes. That’s where Ronaldo has to be more mature and a better leader. Of course you’re disappointed when you have to leave, but even Ronaldo has to look at the bigger picture.” Ten Hag must be tough, according to Carragher. “When you have that conversation as a top manager, make it clear to him that it won’t be tolerated. Make it clear that if he doesn’t accept it, he’s no longer part of your plans. Ronaldo has to accept that he can’t play everything anymore.”