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Manchester United are gearing up for a return to action this week as they prepare to take on Moldovan outfit Sheriff Tiraspol in the second game of their Europa League campaign, where Cristiano Ronaldo could be rewarded with another start up front for the Red Devils.
But ahead of that fixture, manager Erik ten Hag has been praised for using a “clever” tactic in dealing with the 37-year-old following his attempts to leave the club over the summer. Elsewhere, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back on the sidelines, while one of his former signings has been told to leave United.
Mirror Football takes a look at all of the latest stories coming out of Old Trafford.
Ten Hag praised for “clever” Ronaldo treatment
Ten Hag has been lauded for his “very clever” approach to Ronaldo as the striker continues to languish on the United fringes after requesting to quit Old Trafford this summer, just a year after sealing an emotional return from Juventus.
United’s lack of Champions League football was a key reason behind his efforts to leave, but the 37-year-old failed to seal a move away from the club and has only been afforded limited opportunities since – starting just one Premier League game so far this season despite scoring 24 goals in all competitions last term.
And Ten Hag has earned praise from Dutch coach Foppe de Haan, who told De Telegraaf that putting Ronaldo on the bench was “very clever” and that “trust is very important”. The former Netherlands youth manager also insisted that his compatriot’s hard-working approach will no doubt see him succeed at Old Trafford.
Read the story in full HERE.
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Solskjaer signing told to leave Old Trafford
Gus Poyet has urged United prospect and fellow Uruguayan Facundo Pellistri to quit the club for the good of his international career – because he fears Ten Hag will not play him.
The 20-year-old was snapped up by Solskjaer in a £9million deal from Penarol back in 2020 following a recommendation from the Norwegian’s ex-Old Trafford strike partner, Diego Forlan. However, is yet to make a single senior appearance since making the switch from Uruguay to the Premier League.
“Pellistri will struggle to get game time,” former Chelsea and Tottenham ace Poyet told Midnite. “It would be good for him to go somewhere and play, because the World Cup is around the corner and he is very important for the Uruguay team because the coach [Diego Alonso] has lots of faith in his ability, he’s a proper winger.”
Read the story in full HERE.
Solskjaer returns to sidelines after United sacking
Solskjaer is back on the touchline – albeit in far less glamorous surroundings than Old Trafford – for the first time since being sacked by United last year after a dismal run of results which culminated in a 4-1 defeat away at Watford.
While he isn’t back working in an official capacity, Solskjaer dusted off the tracksuit to take charge of his son Elijah’s Under-14 team. Local Norwegian news outlet Tidens Krav, via VG, reports that the 49-year-old is training the youngsters two or three times a week and helping create an environment that is fun for them.
Although grinding out results will no longer be giving him sleepless nights, it’s still nice to taste victory and it is added that the Kristiansunds team ran out victorious over Blindheim in their first match. Solskjaer is back in his hometown and has largely kept his own counsel with regards to his future plans.