Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said on Wednesday that he is focused on getting the best out of Cristiano Ronaldo after the veteran forward notched up his 700th career goal against Everton in the Premier League at the weekend.
Ronaldo, United’s top-scorer last season with 24 goals in all competitions, has been reduced to playing a part-time role this campaign, starting four times and netting twice.
Ten Hag said that the Portuguese, who missed pre-season and was linked with a move away, lacked sharpness early in the campaign but is now finding his feet.
“I want to support him as much as possible. We have certain demands from players, what we expect in certain positions,” the Dutch coach told reporters ahead of United’s home game against Cypriot minnows Omonia Nicosia in the Europe League on Thursday.
“I want to get the best out of him, he’s in better shape now and I’m happy with that. At the start, it was the case (lack of fitness), it’s proven once again, no one can miss a pre-season.” United are set to field a fullstrength team against Omonia, who gave them a major scare before going down 3-2 last week, as they target top spot in Group E. Ten Hag’s second-placed side trail group leaders Real Sociedad by three points.
“We are going all out for the victory. It is Europe, it is tough... I told the players weeks ago, it was important to win the group. We want to win all the games, but it’s clear, we want to avoid that (finishing second in group),” added Ten Hag. Forward Anthony Martial, who only recently returned from injury but hobbled off again at Everton in the first half due to a hip problem, will miss out against Omonia.
Juventus coach vows to fight
Juventus’ 2-0 loss in the Champions League at Maccabi Haifa on Tuesday marked a new low for the Serie A side but coach Massimiliano Allegri remained steadfast and ruled out stepping down despite the Italian club’s poor run of form. The defeat not only leaves third-placed Juve’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages hanging by a thread but also threatens their chances of qualifying for the Europa League if they do not finish third in Group H.
Juve had never lost three of their first four Champions League group games and although club president Andrea Agnelli said he was ‘ashamed’ by their performance, he added that Allegri would remain in the job. “He’s right (to feel ashamed), it was the worst first half,” Allegri said. When asked if he would resign, he added: “No, I’m not going to step down, absolutely. Because it’s a challenge now. When it gets harder, it’s even more beautiful. We must come out of it with courage and desire.”
