Manchester United manager Erik ten Haag says Cristiano Ronaldo may suit his style of play, but the forward needs to build up his fitness before proving himself worthy of a place in the team.
Ronaldo was not included in United’s squad for the pre-season tours of Thailand and Australia and was left out of the friendly defeat against Atletico Madrid, but he played 45 minutes in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Rio Vallecano.
Asked if the Portugal international fits his vision of how he wants United to play, Ten Haag told Sky Sports: “I think he can.”
Ronaldo’s future at United has been the subject of intense speculation after British media reported that the 37-year-old told the club he wanted to leave the club because he wanted to play in the Champions League.
United, who will play in the second leg of the Europa League, open their Premier League campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
