Diogo Dalot has insisted on Cristiano Ronaldo keep up Manchester United.
Ronaldo is determined to leave Old Trafford this summer after the club failed to qualify for this season’s competition Champions League with his agent Jorge Mendes offering him to a number of clubs across Europe.
ChelseaBayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain would all have turned down the chance to sign the 37-year-old with Atletico Madrid who are currently unable to fund a transfer.
The striker did not travel with the club for their tour of Asia and Australia and has not returned for season preparation due to ‘family reasons’.
Erik ten Hag is still counting on Ronaldo in the run-up to his first season with Dalot, also hoping that his compatriot will stay in Manchester. ‘
“I think Cristiano is important to us,” Dalot said. “What we know is that he has some family issues. We hope everything is okay and that’s how we do it.”
United ended their pre-season tour unbeaten with victories over Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace and a draw with Aston Villa.
After ditching a two-goal lead against Steven Gerrard’s side on Saturday, Dalot suggested that Ten Hag had stern words with the squad, but insists the group must learn to deal with the demands he makes on the side.
“It’s discipline,” Dalot said. “We have to be ready for that, ready to hear things we may not want to hear.
“But I think everything is in the interest of the team and that’s the most important thing.
“I feel like we’re starting all over again, a new manager, new things, new energy, new players coming in and we’re looking forward to playing with them as well.
“We have to build a team, a staff, a club, everyone together and moving forward. It’s tough, but we have to adapt quickly. We have to be ready for any challenge.’
Dalot impressed during United’s preparation and is expected to start the season as Ten Hag’s first right-back.
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