Former
The relationship between the two figures famously deteriorated in 2022, culminating in a high-profile interview Ronaldo gave to Piers Morgan before his eventual exit. Reflecting on that period, Ten Hag revealed that he had initially sought to integrate the veteran striker into his plans, even travelling to Portugal for discussions before officially taking charge of the squad.
Ten Hag Claims Ronaldo Failed to Meet Physical Standards
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Ten Hag expressed his frustration regarding Ronaldo’s physical condition and work rate. The former manager argued that the forward struggled to meet the demands of modern football, noting that his inability to position himself effectively in the box limited his goal-scoring potential. According to Ten Hag, the issue was not a lack of effort from the team to support the striker, but rather a failure by the player to prepare himself for the rigours of the
Ten Hag stated that Ronaldo was unable to contribute effectively either in or out of possession, describing the situation as a significant challenge for his tactical setup. He emphasised that while top teams should support their star players, those individuals must also reciprocate by working for the collective benefit of the squad. The manager suggested that this lack of application may have set a poor example for other members of the dressing room, noting that maintaining a high standard of discipline remained a constant struggle during his time at the helm.
Legacy and Subsequent Developments at Old Trafford
Following Ronaldo’s departure in late 2022, Ten Hag remained in charge for a further 18 months, during which he secured the EFL League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. However, the club’s trajectory remained inconsistent following his exit. A period under Ruben Amorim saw the team finish 15th in the Premier League and suffer defeat in the 2024-25 Europa League final.
While Michael Carrick subsequently guided the club back into the Champions League, the team continues to face significant challenges during the current 2026-27 campaign. Ten Hag’s comments serve as a final reflection on one of the most debated chapters in the club’s recent history, highlighting the friction between individual star power and the requirements of a structured team environment.
