Cristiano Ronaldo ‘Let Us Down’, Former Manchester United Manager Erik ten Hag Reignites Feud With Portugal Star

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has broken his silence on his turbulent relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, accusing the Portuguese forward of 'letting down' both the squad and the coaching staff during their brief, fractious spell together at Old Trafford. In an extensive interview published on Tuesday, the Dutch tactician provided fresh details regarding the striker’s physical condition, training standards, and eventual departure in November 2022. Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play Al-Nassr vs Neom Saudi Pro League 2026-27 Match?.

'We Planned With Him'

In an interview with The Athletic, Reflecting on his arrival at Manchester United in the summer of 2022, Ten Hag revealed that he initially envisioned Ronaldo as a central figure in his tactical setup, even travelling to Portugal before taking office to discuss his project.

However, Ten Hag explained that the reality on the pitch quickly diverged from those early discussions. 'He let the team down, and he let me down, because we planned with him,'Ten Hag said. 'Obviously, he's one of the best in football history. I respected him a lot. But at that time, as a manager, I had to make a rational decision.'

Physical Preparation and Fitness Concerns

The former United manager disputed widespread claims that he demanded excessive defensive pressing from the veteran striker, arguing instead that a lack of adequate preparation left Ronaldo physically unable to meet baseline match demands.

'It's the wrong idea to put this to me that I expected him to do the pressing, that he's exhausted,' Ten Hag noted. 'He ran neither in possession nor out of possession. The reason was because he didn't prepare himself.'

Ten Hag also detailed incidents from the training ground, alleging that Ronaldo struggled to reach target heart-rate thresholds, occasionally pulled out of drills, and completed only two of three assigned penalty laps following United’s 4–0 defeat at Brentford in August 2022. Cristiano Ronaldo Handed 30-Day Suspension and INR 27,183 Fine for Walking Out of Portugal Camp.

The Bitter Parting of Ways

The tension between player and manager defined the opening months of the 2022–23 Premier League season. Ronaldo started just four league games before granting an unsanctioned television interview to Piers Morgan in November 2022, in which he publicly declared that he felt 'betrayed' and held 'no respect' for Ten Hag.

That interview precipitated the termination of Ronaldo's contract by mutual agreement shortly before the 2022 FIFA World Cup, paving the way for his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Ten Hag went on to lift the League Cup and FA Cup during his tenure at Old Trafford before departing the club.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 20, 2026 04:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).