Erik Ten Hag renews criticism of Ronaldo over Manchester United fallout

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reignited his war of words with Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the Portuguese forward has been unable to deliver consistently for the past seven or eight years.

Speaking to ESPN, Ten Hag revisited his controversial relationship with Ronaldo during their time together at Old Trafford, insisting the 41-year-old could no longer meet the demands of elite football.

“Every top team must embrace the top player, but the top player must also make way for the team. That was simply the problem with Ronaldo,” Ten Hag said.

He added: “But that is also the reality over the last seven, eight years, he simply can no longer deliver. From Juventus onwards it’s simply over.”

Their relationship deteriorated in 2022 after Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham, eventually leading to his departure following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

According to Livesore⁠, Ten Hag also questioned Ronaldo’s willingness to train through pain and maintain the fitness required to compete at the highest level.

The Dutchman insisted that despite Ronaldo’s extraordinary career and reputation for physical excellence, his performances no longer justified a regular starting position.