Man Utd boss Ten Hag on Ronaldo, Maguire and breaking Pep-Klopp dominance

Manchester United's new manager Erik ten Hag confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo was part of his plans for next season while answering questions on Harry Maguire and disrupting Man City and Liverpool's Premier League dominance in his first news conference.

Ten Hag greeted the media with handshakes and smiles at Old Trafford on Monday morning, less than 24 hours after he watched from the stands as his new side brought an end to their worst season in the Premier League era with a 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

The Dutchman, who arrives from Ajax after winning three league titles in four years, travelled to London last week to get a head start on his plans for the new season, and has now finalised his backroom staff appointments with Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren confirmed on Monday morning.

Ten Hag gave little away in his first formal interaction with the British media, but here are some of the key topics he covered...

Asked if Ronaldo fits into his project, Ten Hag said: "Of course."

On what Ronaldo will bring, he simply added: "Goals!"

Pressed on whether he was looking for leadership from Ronaldo, he said: "I talk first with Ronaldo before I talk with you."

Asked if he wants Maguire to be his captain next season, Ten Hag said: "Next season is a different season, he is a great player. He already achieved a lot and also [made a] contribution to Man Utd. I am looking forward to working with him."

Asked if Manchester City and Liverpool's stranglehold on the Premier League title race under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp could be disrupted, Ten Hag said: "In this moment, I admire them both. They play really fantastic football, both Liverpool and Man City. But you always see an era can come to an end and I'm looking forward