IN SHAPE
Cristiano Ronaldo shows ripped physique as he trains for new Premier League season at Manchester United under manager Erik ten Hag
by Michael Benson · talkSPORTCristiano Ronaldo has posted a new picture on social media showing he’s ripped and ready for the new season.
The Manchester United forward, 37, has never been out of shape in his career to date and this certainly does not look set to change any time soon.
Ronaldo’s latest image proves that he is continuing to work hard during his post-season holiday.
He captioned the picture quite simply with the words: “Feeling good.”
When football returns, the forward will be beginning his second season back at Old Trafford.
The first did not go to plan as it ended up as a rare trophyless campaign for Ronaldo.
This time though, new manager Erik ten Hag will take the reigns and is looking to steer United back to success.
The Dutch boss has already started work after leaving previous club Ajax and is getting himself prepared for what will be a huge season for the Premier League giants.
United will have ambitions of breaking into the top four and in order to do that they’re likely to strengthen their squad as they look to improve on last term’s sixth-placed finish.
As well as changing the way that the team play, ten Hag will be tasked with selecting a club captain who shares his methods and has the influence to bridge the gap between the management team and the playing squad.
Harry Maguire is currently skipper, while Ronaldo has also been linked with the role, however according to ex-Liverpool man Danny Murphy, ten Hag may be better served bringing in a fresh face to take on the responsibility.
He told White and Jordan earlier this month: “I don’t think that this should be set in stone, but on this particular occasion this a very important decision for Manchester United moving forward and not one that should be taken lightly.
“I certainly don’t think it’s one that should be left to the players.
“What you could do is leave it as it is to give yourself the time to make the right decision.
“My feeling is that sometimes the best thing to do for a new manager is to give the captaincy to a player he knows and trusts who he brings in.”
Asked if Ten Hag’s former Ajax star Donny Van de Beek could be a contender, Murphy emphasied: “Someone who he brings in from the outside. He’s already there and he’s not played enough so that would be a bit farcical, but if you bring in a leader and go boom, you’re the captain as well then you’re kind of together then.”
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