Erik ten Hag coy when answering Ronaldo question as he outlines Man Utd wish

Erik ten Hag chose not to be drawn on whether Manchester United are in a ‘different place’ following the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo. Red Devils icon Ronaldo departed Old Trafford under acrimonious circumstances after slating several key figures at United, including Ten Hag.

Ronaldo’s frustration boiled over slightly prior to the World Cup when he conducted a fiery interview with television personality Piers Morgan. The legendary forward slated Ten Hag, the Glazer family owners, and several other figures.

United ripped up Ronaldo’s contract and he joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr in December. Ten Hag’s side had previously struggled for consistency with Ronaldo, but improved following the parting of ways.

A third-place finish means United will play in the Champions League next season, while Ronaldo endured a tough half-season with Al-Nassr. However, Ten Hag has refused to comment on whether the atmosphere within the United camp has improved since Ronaldo’s exit.

Asked by The Times if United are in a ‘different place’ without the forward, Ten Hag explained what he wants to see from his side, saying: “If you’re observing that, it’s up to you. So what I want to see from my team is a team who are proactive, dynamic, determined.

“I’ve seen many times Manchester United with that attitude, so that’s what I like. It’s not that we are satisfied. There’s still a long way to go but we’re definitely showing this mentality.”

Ronaldo struggled to start in Ten Hag’s preferred team, failing to possess the pressing qualities demanded by the Dutchman. The 38-year-old scored 14 goals in 16 appearances for Al-Nassr, but the Saudi side will miss out on winning the Pro League despite being top when the Real Madrid legend arrived.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag called on United’s board to back him during the summer transfer window. It remains unclear who will be funding the club’s business, with the Glazer family supposedly still looking to sell the 20-times English champions.