{
  "id": 15730761,
  "title": "Ronaldo let Man United down – Ten Hag",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/ronaldo-let-man-united-down-ten-hag-15730761",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T10:35:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ronaldo-let-man-united-down-ten-hag/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ex-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has criticized Cristiano Ronaldo for failing to meet the team's expectations during their time together at Old Trafford. Speaking to The Athletic, Ten Hag claimed Ronaldo let both the team and himself down, as they had planned their future together before his arrival at United. Despite respecting Ronaldo, Ten Hag had to make a rational decision as a manager. The former United boss alleged that Ronaldo struggled with fitness and preparation, pulling out of training sessions, failing to reach required heart-rate levels, and completing only two laps in a running punishment following a 4-0 loss to Brentford in August 2022. Ten Hag confronted Ronaldo about these issues, emphasizing that each top player must work for the team, but the top player also needs to work on their fitness levels to reach the required standards.",
  "summary": "Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag claims Cristiano Ronaldo let the team and him down, alleging the forward struggled with fitness and preparati Read More: https://punchng.com/ronaldo-let-man-united-down-ten-hag/",
  "key_points": [
    "Erik ten Hag criticized Ronaldo for failing to meet expectations.",
    "Ronaldo struggled with fitness and preparation issues.",
    "Ten Hag had to make rational decision as a manager."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Ten Hag’s public criticism signals a shift toward prioritizing collective tactical standards and physical discipline over the individual prestige of aging global superstars within the Manchester United squad.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Ronaldo let Man United down – Ten Hag",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/ronaldo-let-man-united-down-ten-hag",
        "published": "2026-10-20T10:32:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}