Ten Hag tells Ronaldo to improve fitness

Updated August 4 2022 - 4:43pm, first published 4:38pm
Cristiano Ronaldo has been told to improve his match fitness before fighting for a Man United spot. (AP PHOTO)
Cristiano Ronaldo has been told to improve his match fitness before fighting for a Man United spot. (AP PHOTO)

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo could fit into his style of play but the forward must build fitness before getting the chance to prove he deserves a place in the team.

Ronaldo did not join United's squad for their pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia and was left out of a friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid, but played 45 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Asked if the Portugal international can fit into his vision of how he wants United to play, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: "I think he can.

"But to start with he has to get fit, he's just started.

"He is a fantastic football player, he proved it so many times, but you can only be judged on what you are now, what you are presenting now, performing now."

Ronaldo's future at United has been the subject of intense speculation after British media reported the 37-year-old told the club he wanted to leave so he can play in the Champions League.

United, who will play in the second-tier Europa League this term, open their Premier League campaign on Sunday against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Australian Associated Press