Erik Ten Hag Drops Huge Hint on Cristiano Ronaldo's Future at Manchester United

• Cristiano Ronaldo has widely been linked with a potential summer exit from Manchester United
• However, Erik ten Hag has all but confirmed his desire to keep the five-time Ballon d'Or winner beyond this summer
• Ronaldo has been in fine shape since rejoining the club last summer and is set to end the season as United's top scorer this term

Incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has dropped the biggest hint yet about Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo has been the shining light at the Theatre of Dreams in an otherwise frustrating season for the Red Devils.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is sure to end the campaign as United's top scorer having found the back of the net 24 times across competitions this term.

Despite his key role in the United team, speculation about his future at the club has been rife, with reports linking him with a possible summer exit.

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Erik ten Hag hints he will keep Cristiano Ronaldo

However, it appears Ten Hag is keen to keep Ronaldo at Man United beyond the summer.

The Dutchman looks set to kick off his rebuild of the club together with the Portuguese talisman who he hopes to form part of his overhaul plan.

Speaking ahead of his official arrival at the Theatre of Dreams, the 52-year-old described the Real Madrid icon as ‘a giant.'

"I still have to work with the team, but let me be clear that at United there are a lot of good players around," Ten Hag was quoted saying by Metro UK.

"We have to make them function as a team but definitely Ronaldo, he is a giant," he added.

Ten Hag's sentiments about Ronaldo come just days after the forward hinted he is keen to work with the new boss.

"We are happy and excited, not only as players, but the supporters as well. I wish him the best and let’s believe that next year, we are going to win trophies," he said during an interview with Man United.

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Ten Hag terminates Ajax contract six weeks early

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Erik ten Hag has ended his Ajax contract prematurely in order to link up with Manchester United.

Ten Hag was initially scheduled to be part of Ajax's travelling party for their end-of-season trip to Curacao. ​

However, according to reports, the Dutchman has decided against the trip so he can get down with work at Old Trafford.