Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has delivered a scathing assessment of Cristiano Ronaldo’s turbulent second stint at Old Trafford, claiming the Portuguese superstar failed to prepare properly and ultimately let the team down. Ronaldo’s high-profile return to the Premier League club came to an acrimonious end in late 2022 following a falling out with the Dutch tactician and an explosive television interview.
Speaking in a recent interview, ten Hag revealed fresh details about the breakdown in their relationship, pointing to a severe lack of fitness and off-the-ball contribution from the veteran forward. The former Ajax coach explained that although he held immense respect for Ronaldo as one of the greatest players in football history, squad dynamics and tactical requirements forced him to make hard decisions during a difficult transition period for the club.
Key Revelations on Ronaldo’s Fitness and Work-Rate
- Ten Hag stated that Ronaldo failed to prepare himself adequately for the rigorous demands of the Premier League.
- The manager claimed the forward did not run sufficiently either in possession or out of possession.
- According to ten Hag, Ronaldo was physically incapable of getting into the penalty box regularly to score goals due to his physical conditioning at the time.
- The Dutch coach admitted that the forward’s overall conduct and application ultimately let both the manager and the club down.
Broader Impact on Manchester United Squad Culture
Ten Hag further suggested that the situation surrounding the legendary forward created underlying tensions within the dressing room, influencing the wider squad culture during a phase when the club was desperately trying to rebuild its identity. While Ronaldo departed midway through the 2022-23 campaign, ten Hag remained in charge for another eighteen months, securing both the League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024 before eventually leaving the organization during a subsequent period of transition under later management.
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