The Manchester United saga of Cristiano Ronaldo has a new chapter — and it’s a brutal one. Former United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed that Ronaldo “let the team and let me down” during his second spell at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Credits: BBC Sport)
The Dutchman, who took charge at United in the summer of 2022, spoke candidly to The Athletic, explaining that he flew out to Portugal before even starting the job to outline his vision to the Portuguese superstar. “We planned with him,” Ten Hag said. “Obviously, he’s one of the best in football history. I respected him a lot.”
The Breaking Point
The relationship soured fast. Ten Hag dropped Ronaldo for a Premier League game at Chelsea in October 2022 after the forward refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham three days earlier. A month later, Ronaldo gave his explosive interview saying he felt “betrayed” by United and did not respect Ten Hag — and his departure was “mutually agreed” shortly after.
Under Ten Hag, the 37-year-old managed just three goals in 16 appearances before his exit during the 2022-23 campaign. And the manager pulled no punches about the effort he saw: “He ran neither in possession nor out of possession. The reason was because he didn’t prepare himself… Every top team has to embrace the top player, but the top player has to work for the team.”
More Fire From Ten Hag
The interview also dropped other revelations. Ten Hag said he wanted to sign Frenkie de Jong, Harry Kane and Declan Rice at United, and was against the sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli in August 2024. Goals, he admitted, were “the biggest issue in all my three years.”
The timing stings for Ronaldo too — the publication comes as he serves a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine from the Portuguese Football Federation for leaving the national camp last month. Ten Hag, sacked by United in October 2024 after winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and FA Cup in 2024, clearly still has plenty to get off his chest.
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo Handed 30-Day Suspension by Portuguese FA After Nations League Walkout
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.