Ten Hag criticises Ronaldo: ‘He just couldn’t do it’

In an open‑hearted conversation with The Athletic, Erik ten Hag, now technical director at FC Twente, looks back on his strained partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo during their joint period at Manchester United in Old Trafford. He explains how the Portuguese star, in his view, could no longer meet the team’s physical demands.

No page turned for Ronaldo

The Dutchman did not spare the Portuguese star in the interview. Ten Hag explained that he had given Ronaldo a clear role, but that the player let the team down and thereby undermined the coach’s plans.

“He has let the team down, and me as well, because we had plans with him,” said the former coach of the Red Devils. “Before I started at United, I traveled to Portugal to talk with him about my objectives.”

Respect, but a rational decision

Despite the criticism, Ten Hag emphasizes that his judgment does not diminish his admiration for Ronaldo. “He is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers in history. I had enormous respect for him,” said the technical director.

The coach, however, had to make a rational decision, even if it went against a player he admired. He explains that the problem was not Ronaldo’s willingness to press high, but his physical preparation.

“I often told him: ‘Ronnie, everyone wants to see you play in the best conditions, but if you don’t get into the sixteen, you can’t score.’ He didn’t succeed at that,” says Ten Hag. “He just couldn’t do it. He didn’t run with the ball nor without the ball, because he hadn’t prepared himself.”

Ten Hag also took issue with the message Ronaldo, according to him, delivered in the dressing room. “He told the players: ‘Save yourself in training.’ I understand that top‑form training can be eased, but first you have to train to reach the required physical level,” he concludes.

Today Ten Hag is technical director at FC Twente, almost two years after he was dismissed as Manchester United’s manager. His reflection provides a rare insight into the dynamic between a top coach and a world star.