Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expects Cristiano Ronaldo to score more goals when he is fully fit.
The Portuguese superstar opened his account for the 2022/23 season with a penalty in the Red Devils’ 2-0 win over Sheriff in the Europa League on Thursday night.
It was just Ronaldo’s third start of the campaign after trying to force his way out of Old Trafford during the summer transfer window.
Ronaldo missed pre-season for personal reasons and there have been questions about the 37-year-old’s place in Ten Hag’s long-term plans.
United have enjoyed a resurgence since Ronaldo was dropped from the starting XI after the 4-0 hammering away at Brentford and lost for the first time since that game on their return to the lineup against Real Sociedad.
Nonetheless, Ten Hag insists his use of Ronaldo is all about fitness – and he still expects the legendary goalscorer to be a key player this term.
The Dutchman said in his post-match press conference: “We can expect that when you miss pre-season, so he has to work very hard and invest to get the right fitness and then he will score more. of goals.
“You can see he’s really close when he’s fitter, he’ll finish them. I think (he’s) totally committed to this project and totally committed to this team, totally involved.
“You also see connections coming around him and he’s building connections, so I’m happy about that.”
He added on MUTV: “He needed that goal. He’s been close several times. You (could) see he wanted it badly (but) every time a foot got in between or there was a deviation or misunderstanding.
“We are happy for him and the team wanted him to score the goal, so that’s good.”