Erik Ten Hag send message to Moldovan fans over Cristiano Ronaldo Decision Ahead Of Man United Europa League Clash
Erik Ten Hag had a lot to say about his team ahead of the Europa League clash against Sheriff on Thursday night.
Countless Moldovan supporters came to Chisinău airport on Wednesday afternoon to meet Ronaldo and his Manchester United teammates upon their arrival in the Moldovan capital.
The Portugal star was the country’s biggest draw for football lovers.
They are keen to see him play in Thursday’s group match, but Ten Hag gave no hints.
When asked if the fans will see their hero start the game or come off the bench, Ten Hag declined to answer.
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He said apologetically: “I’m sorry, the Moldovan fans will have to wait until tomorrow.”
Fans hoping for a selfie or autograph with Ronaldo after the game are also likely to be disappointed, according to Ten Hag, because United must travel back to Manchester immediately.
“After the game we have to go straight to the airport and return to Manchester because the players have international duties and they have to be prepared for them,” said the United boss.
As both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are injured, Ronaldo is likely to lead United’s attack against Sheriff.
Ten Hag acknowledges that United must win in order to advance after suffering a shocking home loss to Real Sociedad last Thursday.
“It’s the same for every game, we have to win,” said the Dutchman. “It’s clear that when you lose the first game, you have to win the second game, so we know what our task is.”
United’s Sunday match against Leeds has been postponed, so this is their penultimate game before the international break.
Ten Hag would not say whether he would select a stronger team than the one that lost to Sociedad.
“We always play a strong team, so obviously tomorrow we will play a strong team,” he said. Ten Hag is respectful of Sheriff, who have won the last six Moldovan titles in a row.
