Ten Hag: Ronaldo let me and Man United down before explosive exit

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo let him and the team down, explaining the decisions that led to the forward’s departure from Old Trafford in November 2022. Speaking to The Athletic, as reported by Hindustan Times, Ten Hag said he had travelled to Portugal before taking charge at United to discuss his plans with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“He let the team down, and he let me down, because we planned with him,” Ten Hag said.The Dutchman also questioned Ronaldo’s fitness and work rate, claiming the forward failed to complete all three laps of a punishment run following United’s 4-0 defeat to Brentford in August 2022. “He was not capable to do this,” Ten Hag said, referring to Ronaldo’s ability to get into scoring positions.

The relationship deteriorated after Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur and later criticised Ten Hag in a televised interview with Piers Morgan. Ronaldo scored one Premier League goal in 10 appearances during his final United season before leaving by mutual agreement.