"Concerning is not the right word" - Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag provides update on Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that he is unaware of the return date to training for striker Cristiano Ronaldo. However, he stated further that it was not a matter of concern.

Ronaldo, who earlier expressed his desire to depart the Red Devils, is currently on leave from the club's pre-season tour due to personal reasons. The 37-year-old has missed the entirety of Manchester United's pre-season games in Thailand and Australia.

Meanwhile, he has recently been linked with clubs like Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.

Speaking at a press-conference before the Red Devils' friendly against Aston Villa on July 23, Ten Hag was asked about an update on Ronaldo. He said (via Manchester Evening News):

"No. It's the same as last week. Of course, concerning is maybe not the right word (over his absence). I focus on the players who are there and they are doing really well and they are in great shape. We will integrate him [Ronaldo]."

When asked about his transfer plans, he said:

"We signed Eriksen for the midfield department, so we are really happy with that. I'm also happy with the performance of our midfield and offensive department. This season has a lot of games, with the World Cup, so we need more options. We need a good team, a good squad, to get the right results at the end of the season. We need to strengthen the squad even more, and we're looking around, but we need the right players."

He continued:

"We have a squad and as you know, we don't have a lot of time. We need to be ready for the 7th of August. We have experienced players, but we also wanted to give some young talents the chance. I can not give all the young players the chances they deserve because we have to construct a team."

Manchester United are scheduled to start their 2022-23 Premier League campaign at home against Brighton Hove & Albion on August 5.

Manchester United interested in Dan-Axel Zagadou

As per recent reports, Manchester United are interested in signing former Borussia Dortmund defender Dan-Axel Zagadou. The 23-year-old is currently available on a free transfer. However, they are likely to face competition from Serie A giants Inter Milan.

Zagadou joined Dortmund after progressing through the ranks of Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) academy in 2017. He made 91 senior appearances for the Bundesliga outfit, contributing four goals and one assist in the process.