Erik ten Hag Accuses Cristiano Ronaldo of 'Letting Down' Manchester United

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has accused Cristiano Ronaldo of failing to prepare himself adequately for matches, asserting that the Portuguese star 'let the team down' during his tenure at the club. Ten Hag claimed Ronaldo pulled out of training sessions and encouraged teammates to 'save their legs,' hindering his own fitness levels and negatively influencing others.

Ten Hag, who was appointed as Manchester United's head coach in the summer of 2022, said in an interview with The Athletic that he confronted Ronaldo over his fitness. "He was not capable to do this," Ten Hag stated, referring to pressing opponents. "The reason was because he didn't prepare himself."

The former manager detailed how Ronaldo did not achieve the 'right fitness levels' and failed to elevate his heart rate sufficiently during training sessions. "Every top team has to embrace the top player, but the top player has to work for the team," Ten Hag said. "He was telling the players, 'Save your legs at the training'. I understand it when you are top fit; you have sessions, you can save the legs. But first you have to train yourself to get into the right fitness levels."

Ronaldo departed Manchester United in November 2022 by mutual consent, following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan in which he expressed feeling 'betrayed' by Ten Hag. Their relationship quickly deteriorated during the early months of Ten Hag's management.

The manager insisted he had outlined his expectations for Ronaldo prior to his arrival, and that the player was initially integral to his plans. However, clashes occurred earlier in Ten Hag's reign. In pre-season, Ronaldo left Old Trafford at half-time during a friendly after being substituted. He was later dropped for a match against Chelsea in October 2022 after refusing to enter as a substitute against Tottenham.

Ten Hag was eventually sacked as Manchester United boss in October 2024. Ronaldo, now 41, has recently been involved in disputes with other managers. He recently walked out of the Portugal squad, citing 'broken promises' from Jorge Jesus after being left on the bench for a Nations League match. This incident led to a one-month ban, backdated to September 30, allowing him to return to the squad for future fixtures if selected.

Ronaldo had previously stated in his interview with Morgan that he did not have respect for Ten Hag because the manager did not show respect for him. He also claimed that "some people, they don't want me here - not only the coach but the other two or three guys." In 2024, Ronaldo reiterated his negative view of the Dutchman, calling him too negative for a club of United's stature.