Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that Cristiano Ronaldo is "totally committed" to the 20-time English champions.

Ronaldo was strongly linked with a move away from the Red Devils over the summer, with the Portugal international determined to continue playing in the Champions League this season.

However, the transfer window closed with the 37-year-old still at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo has found it difficult to secure starts in the Premier League this season due to the form of Marcus Rashford, but he has been in the first XI for Man United's opening two Europa League fixtures.

The Portuguese scored his first goal of the campaign in Thursday's 2-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol, finding the back of the net from the penalty spot in the 39th minute of the contest.

© Reuters

Speaking after the clash in Moldova, Ten Hag said that Ronaldo is "totally committed to this project" and insisted that the forward would "score more goals" as he continues to build his fitness.

"He's totally committed to this project, totally committed to this team, totally involved, he also has connections that are coming around him and he is constructing connections so I'm happy with that," Ten Hag told reporters.

"We could expect this when you miss pre-season, he has to work really hard and invest to get the right fitness. He will score more goals. He's really close, when he gets more fitness he will score more."

Ronaldo was not involved in Man United's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia due to a personal issue, and he only played one friendly for the club ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Rashford and Anthony Martial are currently on the sidelines through injury, although both players could be back for the team's next Premier League game against Manchester City at the start of October.

© Reuters

Lisandro Martinez also spoke after the game with Sheriff and detailed the importance of the three points, which has left the Red Devils in second spot in Group E.

"We got the three points, so it was very important for us. We work very hard every day in training, so today Sancho scored a fantastic goal, but how we played was fantastic. Sancho's finish was great and in the end, we all celebrate," Martinez told MUTV.

"We know how big Cristiano Ronaldo is, he is very important for us and that he scored tonight, for his confidence and for the team.

"I'm really happy and a little bit surprised with that [love from fans], but at the same time I feel very proud. To come here to the best club in the world and the people say "Argentina, Argentina", for me it's amazing. Thanks to the fans for their support."

Man United have now won five of their last six matches in all competitions, including each of their last four in the Premier League.