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Erik ten Hag sends message to Cristiano Ronaldo following Manchester United’s draw with Chelsea.
Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United’s performance against Chelsea on Saturday demonstrated that there is still a role for Cristiano Ronaldo to play for his side this season.
Marcus Rahsford and Antony were particularly guilty for the Red Devils‘ inability to convert the clear-cut opportunities they produced while dominating the first half at Stamford Bridge.
Graham Potter’s tactical adjustments hampered United’s efficiency in the second half, and Jorginho’s late penalty appeared to have given the home team a thrilling victory.
Ten Hag’s side demonstrated admirable fight, however, rescuing a point with virtually the last act of the game through Casemiro’s outstanding header but Ten Hag conceded the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could have been the difference between a draw and collecting all three points had he been available for selection.
Asked if United missed Ronaldo, Ten Hag said: ‘Yes, always he can score a goal. He is valuable for us and we need him that’s clear. I think you see it also in this game that he can finish off that’s quite obvious.’
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Pressed on whether he could fix his relationship with Ronaldo, Ten Hag added: ‘I think I have said enough about that situation.
‘Let’s focus on this game, it was a good game for my team and I have to really compliment my team.
‘If you can deliver this after four games in 10 days you then dictate this first half, second half we were really well organised playing football and you fight back that has to be the focus.’
He added: ‘I have to make a big compliment to my team. To fight back with a fourth game in 10 days, you see the spirit and how they deal with setbacks. Really good.
‘First half Rashford had two big chances, Antony one against one. You have to score goals in such moments because in top games three chances is massive. You have to score. We dictated the game and I am happy with that. If you concede a goal late it is difficult.
‘Eight minutes before half time we had some troubles but defence in the second half we didn’t have troubles. The second half we didn’t really create big chances, but also Chelsea didn’t. I think it is a fair result. I would have been disappointed if we had gone without a point because we didn’t deserve that. At the end of a tough week to come here, you bring the point home.’