Erik ten Hag criticises Cristiano Ronaldo over Manchester United spell

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has claimed Cristiano Ronaldo let the team down during their time together at Old Trafford. The BBC, the Irish Times and the Guardian all report that the former manager made the statements regarding the Portuguese forward. Ten Hag was appointed in April 2022 and was later sacked by the club in October 2024, according to the Irish Times and the Guardian. [1][2][3][4]

BBC News reported that Ronaldo scored three goals in 16 appearances under Ten Hag. Ten Hag said that Ronaldo did not prepare himself properly, ran neither in possession nor out of possession, and told other players to save their legs during training. The Daily Mail reported that Ronaldo failed heart rate tests and pulled out of training sessions. [1][4]

The Irish Times and the Guardian both report that Ronaldo returned for a second spell at Manchester United in August 2021, having previously played under Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Relations between Ten Hag and Ronaldo deteriorated after Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham in October 2022. The Daily Mail noted that Ronaldo left by mutual consent in November 2022 following an interview with Piers Morgan. [1][2][3][4]

Ten Hag also alleged that unfulfilled promises by the owners of Manchester United contributed to his dismissal in October 2024. The Irish Times and the Daily Mail both report that Ten Hag accused the club hierarchy of breaking promises made to him during his spell as manager. The Daily Mail added that Ten Hag claimed bosses sold Scott McTominay against his wishes. [2][3][5][7]