Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has launched a scathing critique of Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing details of their strained 2022 relationship, training ground friction, and the decision-making that led to the forward’s explosive exit from Old Trafford.
Nearly four years later, Erik ten Hag has broken his silence on the conflict during an interview with The Athletic, detailing how early plans for the veteran forward quickly unravelled after he took charge of Manchester United’s 2022–23 season.
Ten Hag Discusses Pre-Season Outreach and Conflict
Erik ten Hag flew to Portugal prior to taking over at Old Trafford to discuss his tactical plans with Cristiano Ronaldo, hoping to build the attack around the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Friction developed early when Ronaldo was substituted at half-time during a pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano and left the stadium before the final whistle.
He let the team down, and he let me down, because we planned with him, I flew out to Portugal to speak with him about what I was aiming for before I came to United. Obviously, he’s one of the best in football history. I respected him a lot. But at that time, as a manager, I had to make a rational decision and keep the players I admire in.
Ronaldo refused to come on as a late substitute against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in October 2022, walking down the tunnel before the match ended.
Erik ten Hag responded by dropping the superstar from the first-team squad for a match against Chelsea and forcing him to train separately.
Ten Hag Evaluates Training Ground Fitness Demands
Erik ten Hag questioned Cristiano Ronaldo’s commitment and preparation during training sessions, rejecting claims that he demanded unrealistic pressing from an aging forward.
A lack of proper pre-season preparation left the player physically unable to meet the demands required to get into scoring positions.
Ronaldo reportedly completed only two of the three punishment laps assigned to the squad following United’s 4-0 defeat against Brentford in August 2022.
I confronted him with this […] Many times I say, ‘Ronnie, everyone wants to work for you to bring you in the right position, but if you can’t bring yourself in the box, you can’t score.’ He was not capable to do this.
Ronaldo Departs After Piers Morgan Interview
Cristiano Ronaldo sat down for a television interview with Piers Morgan in November 2022. The forward declared he had no respect
for Erik ten Hag and felt betrayed
by the club’s hierarchy.
Ronaldo’s contract was terminated by mutual agreement shortly after the interview aired during the World Cup international break.
Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United continued until October 2024, when he was dismissed with the side sitting 14th in the Premier League, just five months after capturing the FA Cup and signing a contract extension.
