Cristiano Ronaldo still “has big impact” on Erik ten Hag tactics at Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United still has an influence, with the legend having a big impact on one of Erik ten Hag’s undroppable players.

Cristiano Ronaldo‘s second spell at Manchester United lasted around 15 months, with the Portugal legend being axed from the club by Erik ten Hag following a scathing and unsanctioned interview towards the end of 2022.

While Ronaldo’s tenure ended badly, one Portuguese player who has thrived under Ten Hag has been Diogo Dalot, who has made himself an undroppable player under the Dutch manager this season.

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Dalot has become a crucial part of the XI in recent months and has been a big reason for the recent uplift in form. He is also responsible for helping execute two of Ten Hag’s biggest tactics at the club.

Despite being a full-back, Dalot is often instructed to drift into the midfield when United have possession, creating an overload of players in the middle of the park. He is also instructed to try and get early crosses into the box whenever possible, which was the reason for Scott McTominay’s recent winner over Aston Villa.

It is said that Ronaldo still has “a big impact” on Dalot, and that the two continue to remain in communication.

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“Cristiano Ronaldo had a big impact on him,” a source explained to The Athletic. “Diogo was in awe of Cristiano, but in a good way of how to be a top footballer, and they’re now friends.”

Dalot and Ronaldo continue to stay in touch after the forward’s transfer to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Both players aim to have a significant impact for Portugal during Euro 2024 this summer.

Rio Ferdinand recently inquired about the right-back’s skills, but Ronaldo responded by saying, “He is dedicated and hardworking. He will put in the effort to become better, without a doubt. He is committed to improvement.”