Erik ten Hag proves fan theory with David de Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United sagas

Erik ten Hag has proved a theory developed by Manchester United fans back in November that what he says in press conferences should not be taken as gospel.

When Erik ten Hag first joined Manchester United, a big question on everyone’s lips was what he would do with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking in November 2022, even when it looked like Ronaldo’s time was up at United, Ten Hag said: “I count on Cristiano.”

Read More: Sheikh Jassim expresses ‘confidence’ ahead of Manchester United takeover decision

He further said in the press conference that he wants Ronaldo “to be in the squad and I want him to get involved for every game because he has an impact.”

It became clear, though, that Ten Hag did not have much of a desire to keep Ronaldo in his team with the manager happy to see Ronaldo have his contract terminated… and now a similar play is happening to David de Gea.

After the 2023 FA Cup final saw De Gea receive much ridicule for his performance, with many claiming that he cost United the trophy, Erik ten Hag backed the Spaniard.

When Ten Hag was asked at the end of May if David de Gea will be at the club next season, his reply was simply “Yes.”

“But I will not say he’ll always be my No. 1 because, in a club like Man United, there must be competition in all positions,” he continued. “You can’t do it with 11 players. It is impossible. You need double positions.”

Once again, despite Ten Hag’s words, it seems the future of the player has gone in the opposite direction.

Just like Ten Hag was happy to let Ronaldo leave despite his words, it has been revealed by the Daily Mail that it is the Dutchman himself who “refused to sign off” on a new contract for the player, despite the fact that a new deal had already been agreed between both the player and the club.

Once again, the curious case of David de Gea was seemingly led one way by Ten Hag in the public eye, while the manager quietly steered the story in another direction behind the scenes.