Former Manchester United centre-back John O'Shea has signified the importance of Erik ten Hag making the most of Cristiano Ronaldo's qualities this forthcoming season, insisting he must use him the "right way."
Despite concerns over Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford being raised as a result of the club failing to qualify for the Champions League at the end of last season, the Portuguese ace is set to stay and remain a key part in United's plans. He was the club's leading marksman last term, notching 24 goals, meaning he stood head and shoulders above everyone else in the squad.
He is set to remain the club's first choice striker under Ten Hag, even though the Dutchman wants to add a new forward to his ranks following the departure of Edinson Cavani. Ten Hag was quizzed on Ronaldo's future at his maiden United press conference last month and was assertive when outlining what the 37-year-old brings to the table, saying "goals."
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But although Ronaldo is expected to stay at United and spearhead their forward-line this forthcoming campaign, O'Shea, who played alongside the Portuguese ace at Old Trafford for six years, has highlighted why Ten Hag must "control" the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
"Cristiano Ronaldo will want to be the key man for Manchester United next season but there'll be discussions and Erik ten Hag said in his first press conference that he'll have those with Ronaldo in person, rather than telling the media," O'Shea told Paddy Power.
"When you see what he does and the goals he brings to the team, having Cristiano there is going to be an asset and I'm sure the new manager will get that across to him. He brings goals and every team wants goals – they're so crucial.
"Every manager wants new attackers and new signings, but he'll have Cristiano Ronaldo in his side who can produce hat-tricks, winning goals and amazing quality. He'll want to play every game as always and what's wrong with that?
"But the manager has to control that and make sure he uses him in the right way."
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