Erik Ten Hag tears into Cristiano Ronaldo, questions hunger to succeed for Man Utd
Erik ten Hag has reignited his war of words with Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the Portuguese superstar’s decline began during his time at Juventus and questioning whether he was still willing to put in the work required to succeed at Manchester United.
In an interview with ESPN, the former United manager said Ronaldo could no longer deliver consistently at the highest level and suggested the forward had lost the willingness to push himself physically.
“Every top team must embrace the top player, but the top player must also make way for the team. That was simply the problem with Ronaldo,” Ten Hag said.
The Dutchman was quick to acknowledge Ronaldo’s standing in football history, but insisted his reputation could not exempt him from the demands of playing for a top club.
“He belongs among the greats of the world. But the reality is also that he hasn’t been able to deliver for the last seven or eight years. From Juventus onwards, it was simply over,” he added.
Ten Hag also praised Real Madrid for recognising when a player is approaching the end of his peak and moving on at the right time. He suggested the Spanish club had managed Ronaldo’s departure better than Manchester United did.
TEN HAG QUESTIONS RONALDO’S COMMITMENT
Ronaldo’s fitness and application were central to Ten Hag’s latest comments. The former United boss claimed the forward could still finish chances but was no longer prepared to put himself through the physical demands needed to compete in the Premier League.
“He couldn’t bring himself to torture himself anymore. To give it his all every day. To get fit. If you aren’t fit in the Premier League, you stand no chance,” he said.
Ten Hag recalled speaking directly to Ronaldo about his expectations and the role he wanted him to play at United. He maintained that the discussion was straightforward once he presented the forward with his arguments.
The manager also insisted that his decision to leave Ronaldo out of the team was based on what he believed was best for the club.
“He won the Champions League five times and scored so many goals. He gave so much to football. We all enjoyed him, me included. But at that moment, I had to make choices in the interest of the team and the club,” he said.
Ten Hag added that no individual, regardless of their stature, could be allowed to stand above the collective.
“No one is bigger than a club or a country. Not even Cristiano Ronaldo. Not even Messi. Ultimately, the team always comes first,” he said.
ANOTHER ROUND OF RONALDO CRITICISM
This is not the first time Ten Hag has spoken publicly about his strained relationship with Ronaldo in recent weeks. In an interview with The Athletic published on October 20, the Dutchman accused the forward of letting Manchester United and him down during their time together.
“He let the team down, and he let me down, because we planned with him,” Ten Hag had said.
He also alleged that Ronaldo did not train at the intensity required and recalled confronting him over his preparation and commitment. Ten Hag said he had travelled to Portugal to discuss his plans with Ronaldo before taking charge at Old Trafford.
The relationship between the two deteriorated during the 2022-23 season. Ronaldo was dropped after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham, before launching a public attack on the manager and the club in an interview with Piers Morgan.
Manchester United subsequently terminated his contract by mutual agreement in November 2022.
Ten Hag, who is now the technical director at FC Twente, has returned to the episode twice in recent weeks. His latest comments suggest that the disagreement over Ronaldo’s role and commitment remains a defining part of his time at Old Trafford.
– Ends
