Ronaldo let Man Utd down, says Ten Hag

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has criticized Cristiano Ronaldo for letting the team down during his time in charge between 2022 and 2024. The relationship between the two became strained, with Ronaldo refusing to come on as a substitute in a match against Tottenham in October 2022. Ronaldo was later dropped for a game against Chelsea, leading him to deliver an explosive television interview where he accused United of betraying him and not respecting Ten Hag.

According to Ten Hag, Ronaldo pulled out of training sessions and failed to complete the required fitness runs after United suffered a 4-0 defeat to Brentford early in his tenure. He claimed that Ronaldo was not willing to adapt and do the necessary pressing, which contributed to his lack of goal-scoring ability. Ten Hag also highlighted that Ronaldo did not prepare adequately for both possession and non-possession scenarios.

The manager further alleged that promises made by United's owners were not fulfilled, leading to his eventual dismissal in 2024. Despite winning the FA Cup earlier that year, United finished 14th in the Premier League when Ten Hag was sacked. The Dutch manager expressed disappointment over the sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli without his consent and claimed that he was left humiliated when he requested to sign Harry Kane, Declan Rice, and Frenkie de Jong.

Ten Hag emphasized that he had been promised loyalty, support, and communication, but these promises were not kept.