Erik ten Hag slams Cristiano Ronaldo for letting United down

Erik ten Hag has hit out at Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the forward “let the team and let me down” during his spell in charge at Manchester United. In comments reported by BBC Sport, the Dutch coach claims they had “planned with him” when he took over in summer 2022, but that he still had to make a “rational decision” as a manager.

Clash over role and preparation

Ten Hag points to October 2022 as a key moment: he dropped Ronaldo for a Premier League game against Chelsea after the player refused to come on as a substitute in the Premier League clash with Tottenham three days earlier. He also criticised Ronaldo’s physical preparation, arguing that the striker couldn’t press “neither in possession nor out of possession”.

The United boss adds that top players should be embraced, but must also “work for the team”. He also says one of the biggest issues across his three years was “goals”. Ten Hag further revealed he wanted to sign Frenkie de Jong, Harry Kane and Declan Rice, and disagreed with Scott McTominay’s August 2024 sale to Napoli.

Ronaldo faces FPF punishment

The interview comes as Ronaldo is handed a 30-day ban and fined 255 euros for leaving Portugal’s international camp last month, the Portuguese FA details. Earlier, Ronaldo had said in an interview that he felt “betrayed”, that he did not respect Ten Hag, and that he was being pushed out before his exit was “mutually agreed”.