Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has accused Cristiano Ronaldo of letting the club and his teammates down, alleging that the forward failed to meet the fitness and training standards expected at Old Trafford. In an interview with The Athletic, reported by The Sun on October 20, Ten Hag revisited the breakdown of their relationship before Ronaldo’s departure in November 2022.
Ten Hag acknowledged Ronaldo’s status as one of football’s greatest players but said he had to prioritise the team when making managerial decisions. He questioned the forward’s fitness, training commitment, movement in the penalty area and contribution to pressing, also recalling United’s 4-0 defeat to Brentford in August 2022 and claiming Ronaldo completed only two of three punishment laps ordered after the loss.
The relationship between the pair deteriorated during the 2022/23 season as Ronaldo struggled for regular playing time. Their dispute ended in November 2022 when Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual agreement after a controversial interview criticising the club and its management. He later joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, ending his second spell at Old Trafford.
