Former
Ten Hag, who departed the club in 2024, explained that the situation became untenable as the season progressed. According to the manager, the team had initially built their strategy around the veteran striker, but his inability to meet the physical demands of the system led to significant friction between the two parties.
Tactical Disagreements and Disciplinary Issues
The tension between the manager and the player reached a public breaking point in October 2022, when Ronaldo refused to enter the pitch as a substitute during a victory over Tottenham Hotspur. This act of defiance resulted in the player being dropped for the subsequent fixture against Chelsea. Shortly thereafter, Ronaldo participated in a high-profile television interview where he claimed the club had betrayed him and stated he held no respect for the manager.
Reflecting on these events in an interview with The Athletic, Ten Hag expressed his disappointment. He noted that while he held great respect for Ronaldo’s status as one of the greatest players in football history, he had to prioritize the team's structure. Ten Hag stated that Ronaldo let both the squad and the management down by failing to adhere to the planned tactical approach.
Physical Demands and Training Ground Friction
Beyond the disciplinary issues, Ten Hag highlighted concerns regarding Ronaldo’s physical output on the pitch. The former manager pointed to the aftermath of a 4-0 defeat to Brentford early in his tenure as a turning point. Ten Hag alleged that Ronaldo struggled to complete the required running drills and failed to contribute effectively during matches, both in and out of possession.
Ten Hag recounted confronting the forward about his inability to position himself effectively within the penalty area, noting that the player was often too exhausted to perform the necessary pressing duties. Despite these challenges, the manager maintained that his decisions were based on the necessity of fielding players who could execute the team's tactical requirements. Following his departure from the club in 2024, Ten Hag also suggested that the ownership had failed to fulfill promises made to him during his tenure, despite his signing of a contract extension.
