Ten Hag harshly settles scores with Cristiano Ronaldo after Premier League

Erik ten Hag, since February technical director at Twente Enschede in the Dutch Eredivisie, looks back on his time at Manchester United in an interview with The Athletic and delivers sharp criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo. The 56‑year‑old Dutchman explains that he could no longer use the Portuguese player because of a lack of training performance.

From the Premier League stage to the Dutch hinterland

Two years ago, ten Hag was still on the big stage of the Premier League, where he coached Manchester United. There he worked with stars such as Raphael Varane, Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo. From 2022 to 2024 he led the club before moving to Twente Enschede in February.

Conflict over training morale and selection

Ten Hag describes that the relationship with Ronaldo was already severely strained because the striker increasingly found himself on the bench. In October 2022 Ronaldo refused to be substituted into the match against Tottenham, which further escalated the conflict. The coach emphasizes that Ronaldo did not reach the required level in training and therefore was not eligible to play.

Decision on contract termination

In the following winter Ronaldo's contract was terminated, and the 41‑year‑old striker moved to Al‑Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Ten Hag explains that he had to make a rational decision to keep the team he admired. He stresses that he respects Ronaldo greatly, but the player's work ethic was insufficient.

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"He let the team down, and he let me down, because we had plans with him," ten Hag said in the interview. "Of course he is one of the best in the history of football. I respected him a great deal. But back then I had to make a rational decision as a coach."

The coach also criticises that Ronaldo could not run with or without the ball because he did not prepare sufficiently. Ten Hag rejects the accusations, saying he forced Ronaldo into an unsuitable pressing system. Instead, the player's lack of preparation was the real reason for the problems.

Although the relationship between ten Hag and Ronaldo never ended on good terms, the tension between the superstar and his coaches has arisen several times throughout his career. Ten Hag emphasizes that after his time in Manchester he now works behind the scenes at Twente Enschede and focuses on the club's development.