Ronaldo let Man United down – Ten Hag

Former Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has accused Cristiano Ronaldo of letting him and the team down during the Portuguese forward’s second spell at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag made the comments in an interview with The Athletic, reflecting on his strained relationship with Ronaldo, who left Manchester United in November 2022 after a controversial period under the Dutchman.

“He let the team down, and he let me down, because we planned with him,” Ten Hag said.

“I flew out to Portugal to speak with him about what I was aiming for before I came to United.

“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 and keep the players I admire in.”

Ronaldo returned to Manchester United from Juventus in 2021, during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, but his relationship with the club deteriorated after Ten Hag took charge in the summer of 2022.

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The forward was dropped for a Premier League match against Chelsea in October 2022 after refusing to come on as a substitute during United’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur three days earlier.

In November 2022, Ronaldo gave an interview in which he said he felt “betrayed” by the club, claimed he did not respect Ten Hag and alleged that United were trying to force him out. His departure was subsequently announced as mutually agreed.

Under Ten Hag, Ronaldo scored three goals in 16 appearances before leaving the club.

The former United manager also disputed suggestions that he had expected Ronaldo to press opponents despite the forward’s age and physical condition. He said the issue was the player’s preparation and contribution to the team.

“It’s the wrong idea to put this to me that I expected him to do the pressing, that he’s exhausted,” Ten Hag said.

“But he couldn’t. He ran neither in possession nor out of possession. The reason was because he didn’t prepare himself.”

Ten Hag added that top players must contribute to the collective effort, regardless of their individual status.

“Every top team has to embrace the top player, but the top player has to work for the team,” he said.

He also alleged that Ronaldo encouraged teammates to conserve energy during training, arguing that players needed to build their fitness before reducing their workload.

Ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United in October 2024 after winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

In the interview, he also discussed his departure, recruitment frustrations and his desire to sign Harry Kane and Declan Rice during his time at Old Trafford.

He said he had wanted the club to retain midfielder Scott McTominay, who joined Napoli in August 2024, arguing that the Scotland international offered goals and a strong mentality.

Ten Hag also backed current United manager Michael Carrick, saying the club should not dismiss him in response to pressure from supporters.

“It is not the solution to dismiss him. 100 per cent not,” he said, urging the club’s leadership to make rational decisions and give Carrick time to work.

Despite his difficult departure, Ten Hag said he retained affection for Manchester United and wanted the club to return to success.

“I really want United to win. I want them to be successful again. I want the club to be back where it once was,” he said.