Ten Hag accuses Ronaldo of letting him down and harming training

Erik ten Hag has levelled his most direct accusations against Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the Portuguese star had “let him down” as well as the entire team during their time together at Manchester United in 2022-2023.

In an interview with The Athletic, the Dutch manager, sacked by United in October 2024, reflects on the circumstances that led to the star’s departure. “He let the team down, and he let me down too, because we had plans with him. I went to Portugal to discuss my objectives with him before joining United,” he explains, clarifying that he “had enormous respect” for one of the “greatest players in football history,” but that he had to “make a rational decision.”

On the tactical front, Ten Hag dismisses the common misconception that he demanded intense pressing from Ronaldo. “It’s a mistake to think I expected him to press, that he was exhausted. But he couldn’t do it. He didn’t run with the ball or without it. The reason? He hadn’t prepared himself.” The 56-year-old manager says he repeatedly told him: “Ronnie, everyone wants to put you in the best conditions, but if you can’t position yourself in the box, you can’t score.”

The criticism goes beyond individual performance alone. According to Ten Hag, Ronaldo actively advised his teammates to take it easy during training. “I understand that when you’re at your peak you can afford not to exert yourself too much. But first you have to train to reach the required level of physical fitness,” he emphasizes.

The rift between the two men came to a head in November 2022, when Ronaldo told Piers Morgan he had “no respect” for Ten Hag, accusing him of not respecting him in return. Days after the interview aired, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and Manchester United announced their separation by mutual agreement.