Erik ten Hag has promised to bring back all glories to Manchester United

Erik ten Hag is eager to work with Cristiano Ronaldo and committed to bringing Manchester United back to its former glory, success that the Glazer family has made clear to the new manager is something they expect and want.

The Dutchman is the sixth manager to assume the reins at Old Trafford since the Scot resigned as champion, and the nine years following his retirement have been more depressing than positive for the club.

United has not launched a sustained Premier League title bid since then and former Ajax boss Ten Hag is relishing the challenge of getting the 20-time champions fighting for major honors again.

Manchester United is a big name,” the Dutchman told the PA news agency. “It’s a real challenge to get them again restored to where they belong. I am highly motivated to get that done.

“We want to win every game and it doesn’t matter who the opponent is.

“I think that belongs to the status of Manchester United and that is what we will do. That will be the demand of the squad and of every player.”

United has not won any silverware since 2017 and Ten Hag takes over at a time when there is palpable fan anger against the owners.

Furious with the debt, dividends, and perceived mismanagement, thousands of supporters protested against the Glazer family during the final home matches of last season.

Asked if he had sought any assurance from the owners and spoken to the Glazer family, United boss Ten Hag said: “Yes, I have spoken with them.

“They told me they want to get success and that it is the only thing they want. That is what they expect from me, to bring success.”

Ten Hag sees frustrated star Ronaldo as an important part of that quest for glory.

The 37-year-old made a shock return to Old Trafford last summer but an impressive campaign on an individual level could not stop the Red Devils from slumping home in sixth.

This season’s lack of Champions League football has not sat well with Ronaldo, who it recently emerged has asked to be allowed to leave if an acceptable offer arrived.

A family issue meant he has missed United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, but Ten Hag has again underlined that Ronaldo is in his vision for the season ahead.

“It is clear – he is not for sale,” he said after training in Melbourne. “I planned with (having) him and I am looking forward to working with him