Erik Ten Hag lashes out at Cristiano Ronaldo, questions Man Utd’s hunger for success

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 doubts he is still willing to put in the work required to succeed at Manchester United.

Speaking to ESPN, the former United manager said Ronaldo could no longer play consistently at the highest level and suggested the forward had lost his will to push himself physically.

“Every top team has to accept a top player, but a top player also has to make way for the team. That was simply Ronaldo’s problem,” Ten Hag said.

The Dutchman was quick to acknowledge Ronaldo’s place in football history, but insisted his reputation cannot exempt him from the demands of playing for a top club.

“He is among the greats of the world. But the reality is also that he has not been able to deliver for the last seven or eight years. It just stopped from Juventus,” he added.

The Hag also praised Real Madrid for recognizing when a player is nearing the end of his prime and moving on at the right time. He suggested that the Spanish club handled Ronaldo’s departure better than Manchester United.

TEN HAG QUESTIONS RONALD’S COMMITMENT

Ronaldo’s fitness and application have been the focus of Ten Hag’s latest comments. The former United boss claimed the forward could still finish chances but was no longer ready to face the physical demands of competing in the Premier League.

“He couldn’t force himself to torture himself anymore. To give it everything every day. To get fit. If you’re not fit in the Premier League, you don’t stand a chance,” he said.

The Hag recalled speaking directly to Ronaldo about his expectations and the role he wanted him to play at United. He claimed that the discussion was straightforward once he presented his arguments to the attacker.

The manager also insisted that his decision to leave Ronaldo out of the squad was based on what he thought 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, including me. But at that moment I had to make a decision for the sake of the team and the club,” he said.

The Hag added that no individual, regardless of stature, could be allowed to stand above the collective.

“No one is bigger than the club or the country. Not even Cristiano Ronaldo. Not even Messi. In the end, the team always comes first,” he said.

ANOTHER ROUND OF RONALDO CRITICISM

It’s not the first time The Hag has spoken publicly about his strained relationship with Ronaldo in recent weeks. In an interview with The Athletic published on Oct. 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 said.

He also claimed that Ronaldo did not train at the required intensity and recalled that he confronted him about his preparation and commitment. The Hag said he traveled to Portugal to discuss his plans with Ronaldo before taking charge at Old Trafford.

The relationship between the two soured during the 2022–23 season. Ronaldo was sent off after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham before starting a a public attack on the manager and the club in an interview with Piers Morgan.

Manchester United subsequently terminated his contract by mutual consent in November 2022.

The Hag, who is now technical director at FC Twente, has revisited the episode twice in recent weeks. His latest comments suggest disagreements over Ronaldo’s role and commitment remain a defining part of his time at Old Trafford.

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