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Manchester United are riding high on confidence after defeating Liverpool and Southampton in their last two Premier League 2022-23 fixtures. After the Red Devils recently signed Brazil winger Antony from Ajax, boss Erik ten Hag has cleared the air around Ronaldo's future at the club.

A fter losing their opening two Premier League games, Manchester United dropped their captain Harry Maguire on bench while legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo made late appearances in both the winning fixtures of United.

Manchester United's last season top scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo started the club's previous two games on the bench, which escalated the possibility of his departure and Ten Hag was asked to enlighten the matter. He said, "Several times, yes. We are on the same page otherwise he wouldn't be here.  It's a signal, yes, but all the big clubs in the Premier League have spent a lot, so it's the market."

"From the start we said we planned with him [Ronaldo], we are happy with him, he's happy to be here, and we want to make the season a success together.  The way of playing, the set of demands, you can see in training Ronaldo has the ability," Ten Hag added.

Further, the Dutch coach showed his faith in the Portuguese legend's capabilities to fit in every style of football. United boss said,  "He will fit in because… I don't have to explain, he is a great player with great capabilities. He will fit in every system and every style. We are on one page, and he knows what the demands are."

Manchester United have signed Antony for a fee of £86m after already signing defender Lisandro Martinez from Ajax for a fee of £57m, and Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. 

Erik ten Hag said, "If you want to compete at the top, you don't have a choice. All the Premier League clubs spent this kind of money. If you want to fight for the top four positions you have to do it, and we have the ambition, especially over the long term, to play for trophies, so I think we had to do it."

Meanwhile, Manchester United will face Leicester City in their next Premier League match on Thursday night at the King Power Stadium.