Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag insists that Cristiano Ronaldo is happy at Manchester United despite his non-involvement for United in Sunday's 6-3 loss to Manchester City.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of United's Europa League clash against Omonia on Thursday, Ten Hag discussed Ronaldo's overall mood and his contributions in training.
Erik Ten Hag discusses Cristiano Ronaldo
Rumours about Ronaldo's future at Manchester United have been consistent since the summer when he asked to leave the club, these have become even more widespread following his non-involvement in the Manchester Derby on Sunday.
Many have questioned this decision from United manager Erik Ten Hag, who argues he did so 'out of respect' for the five time Ballon d'Or winner. Talking today, the Dutchman insists that Cristiano Ronaldo is happy at the club and the fact he did not play on the weekend is irrelevant to his United future:
'I can't see that relation, with him not coming on when we are 4-0 down, 5-1 down, 6-1 down and I don't bring him on out of respect. So it has nothing to do with what's happening in the future and what's happening in January or next year.'
I don't see that he is unhappy.
'He is happy, he is training well, he's enjoying and I think everyone is training well, there's a good spirit and vibe in training.'
Ronaldo certainly didn't look happy at the weekend, with the cameras often picturing him with a glum look on his face as he watched on from the bench in despair. Erik Ten Hag makes the point that Ronaldo, like any professional, is of course unhappy when he doesn't play, but rather confirms there is still a good relationship between Ronaldo and the club:
'He's not happy that he wasn't playing on Sunday, don't get me wrong. But on the training pitch and his mood when he's around he is happy'
Of course he wants to play, he's pissed off when he's not playing.
'Cristiano is really competitive, as we all know, he's not happy of course when he's not playing. But he's training well, he is in a good mood and he's motivated and he gives his best, that is what we expect.'
READ HERE: Erik Ten Hag Shockingly Admits He Didn't Use Ronaldo 'Out Of Respect'
Ten Hag discusses Sunday's defeat
With regards to an overall reaction to Sunday's humiliating defeat, Erik Ten Hag says that it has been a 'reality check' for his team after they recorded impressive wins over Arsenal and Liverpool. He 'thanks' Pep Guardiola and Manchester City for 'the lesson' and insists that there is collective agreement on the need to improve:
'Sunday we had a bad day, a bad day in the office and we got beaten. On that moment on that day City were better, we have to accept it, but what we can't accept was our performance, that was unacceptable.We got a reality check with Man City, so we know that we have to step up.
So thank you for the lesson from Pep and City, but we will take that and we understand that we have to do things much better.'
SEE ALSO: Report: Fernandes And Martinez Raged At United Teammates At Half-Time Of Derby
