Cristiano Ronaldo 'is NOT part of Erik ten Hag's plans' as the club look to cut their losses

Incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly made it known that Cristiano Ronaldo does not form part of his plans for next season.

The Dutchman is due to be announced as the Manchester United boss for next season, potentially some time after his Ajax side's Dutch Cup Final against rivals PSV this Sunday.

Having been handed a two-year deal last summer on thought-to-be astronomical wages, Ronaldo's status poses difficult questions to the United hierarchy over whether to persist or cut their losses.

The Star has now reported that ten Hag is keen for United to do away with Ronaldo as the player does not fit into his plans for next season and beyond.

Ronaldo has divided opinion since his much feted return to the club at the end of last summer with some figures saying his 18 goals do not make up for what his presence in the side subtracts.

Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo's former teammate at United during his first spell, told Monday Night Football on Sky earlier this month that he felt the signing hadn't been a success and that the club needed to build around younger players moving forward.

If the reports are to be believed, then ten Hag also shares that view.

Getting rid of the Portuguese will not be easy however, with the player unlikely to be willing to give up his astronomical wages.

While he will have no shortage of offers, it is doubtful whether or not another club would be willing to match the wages he currently earns at United.

With the player still clearly ambitious, question marks remain over whether or not the Portuguese would be willing to stick around for the early stages of the ten Hag-led rebuild at the club.