Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo let both the team and him down during the Dutchman’s tenure at Old Trafford. The Portuguese forward was in his second stint with the club when Ten Hag arrived in the summer of 2022, but departed following a controversial series of events later that year.
Ten Hag on Ronaldo Departure
As reported by BBC Sport, Ten Hag told The Athletic that he had flown to Portugal before taking the United job to discuss his plans with the star forward. He acknowledged Ronaldo as one of the best players in football history and stated he respected him greatly, but explained that he had to make a rational managerial decision.
Ten Hag dropped Ronaldo for an October 2022 Premier League match against Chelsea after the player refused to enter the field as a substitute against Tottenham three days prior. The situation escalated in November when Ronaldo stated in an interview that he felt betrayed by United, did not respect Ten Hag, and was being forced out before his departure was mutually agreed.
Fitness and Tactical Issues
Ronaldo returned to Manchester United from Juventus in 2021 at the age of 36 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. During the 2022-23 campaign under Ten Hag, the forward scored three goals in 16 appearances before his exit.
Ten Hag rejected the idea that he expected an exhausted Ronaldo to press, explaining that the player could not run with or without possession because he had not prepared himself. The former manager added that top players must work for the team and noted that Ronaldo had advised teammates to save their legs during training sessions, which Ten Hag argued is only acceptable for players who have first built up their fitness levels.
The release of Ten Hag’s interview coincides with Ronaldo receiving a 30-day suspension and a 255-euro fine from the Portuguese Football Federation for leaving his national team camp last month.
Transfer Regrets and Carrick Reaction
Ten Hag, who was dismissed by Manchester United in October 2024 after winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024, revealed he wanted to sign Frenkie de Jong, Harry Kane, and Declan Rice. He also opposed the sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli in August 2024 and described a persistent lack of goals as the club’s biggest issue during his three years.
Responding to Ten Hag’s remarks about feeling victimized by broken promises from the club hierarchy, current head coach Michael Carrick stated he has a good relationship with everyone at the club and feels fully supported by the board.
Heading into Wednesday’s Champions League match at Como, Manchester United are winless in six games across all competitions. Carrick stated that he has not sought assurances over his future from the club hierarchy, acknowledging that he understands his responsibilities and the team’s need to win matches.
Source: BBC Sport
