Fans and experts have spent a massive amount of time discussing Cristiano Ronaldo's potential departure from Manchester United, but hopes for those who wanted to hire him may have been squashed by the new Red Devils' boss, Erik Ten Hag.
Speaking in an interview with ESPN, the Dutch tactician revealed that the Portuguese player is still part of his plans at Old Trafford despite his absence from the team's preseason. Furthermore, the coach seemed quite confident about how fit CR7 will be when the club goes back to England after their preseason tour.
"I believe he will be (part of the team), and I know he is training. I think we all know Ronaldo, we are aware that he is a top-caliber professional and how he will be fit to train. That is the least of my worries right now," Ten Hag stated.
Asked about what it would be like to lose a player such as Ronaldo with one year left in his deal, Ten Hag shocked everyone by stating CR7 could stay at Manchester United for more than a season thanks to a hidden clause in his contract.
"I have been made aware by the team that there is an option to have his contract extended automatically until 2024 if we feel it's the right thing to do," Ten Hag added.
This clause has been used frequently by Manchester United in the recent past. One of those players who had their contract extended unilaterally was Paul Pogba, who ended up leaving the club this summer on a free move back to Juventus.
Despite the existance of this clause in CR7's contract, the Dutch coach could not assure the player will be around to train with the rest of his teammates ahead of their Premier League debut against Brighton.
"I can't really tell you (if he will be back). There have been no new developments," Ten Hag concluded.
The Portuguese ace has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford to join Chelsea, PSG, and even Atlético Madrid, who have been revealed as the latest team to show interest in the player's services. Nevertheless, time is running out for CR7 to find a new team, and the smart money suggests that the legendary striker will have to stay put at Old Trafford at least for the next 12 months.
