Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are now looking to the future after dealing with Cristiano Ronaldo.
United terminated Ronaldo's contract by mutual consent last month after the 37-year-old striker gave an unauthorised interview to Piers Morgan in which he said he felt "betrayed" by the club. Ten Hag has now addressed the situation for the first time.
"He's gone and it's the past," he told MUTV. "We are now looking forward and we're looking to the future."
United have travelled to Spain for a winter training camp ahead of the return to competitive football following the World Cup. They will play Cadiz and Real Betis in friendlies before returning to action against Burnley in the Carabao Cup on December 21.
Ronaldo is currently away at the World Cup with Portugal, who reached the quarter-finals on Tuesday night with a thumping 6-1 win over Switzerland. The veteran forward was left on the bench for that match by manager Fernando Santos.
He is a free agent at the moment and painted his departure from United as a chance to find a new challenge. "Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early," he said in a statement.
"I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge.
"I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future." That statement struck a very different tone to the comments he made to Morgan about Ten Hag.
"I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me," he said on TalkTV. "Some people, they don't want me here - not only the coach but the other two or three guys. Not only this year, but last year too.
"Honestly, I shouldn't say that. But listen, I don't care. People should listen to the truth. Yes, I feel betrayed."
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Ronaldo has been offered £173million per year to join Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr. He is reportedly still holding out for a Champions League club, so has not accepted the offer.
“No, it is not true,” Ronaldo insisted when he was quizzed about the rumours linking him to Saudi Arabia. A new report from Portuguese outlet SIC Noticias says he intends to reject approaches from the Middle East in the hope that more offers from Europe come in.
Ronaldo watched most of Portugal's huge win over Switzerland from the substitutes' bench on Tuesday night, with his replacement, Goncalo Ramos, scoring a hat-trick. It was the first time since 2008 that Ronaldo has not started a match in a major tournament for Portugal.
After the match he wrote on Instagram : “Incredible day for Portugal, with a historic result in the biggest competition in world football. Luxury exhibition of a team full of talent and youth. Our Selection is to be congratulated. The dream is alive! Until the end! Strength, Portugal!”
