Cristiano Ronaldo has once again hit the headlines, this time with a scathing critique of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
In an interview with Rio Ferdinand’s Five YouTube channel, the Portuguese superstar claimed that Ten Hag is not the man to lead United back to Premier League glory, insisting: “You can’t rebuild a club you don’t understand.”
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Ronaldo questions Ten Hag’s ambitions
Ronaldo, who saw his second stint at Old Trafford end controversially under the Dutchman in late 2022, did not hold back when discussing United’s current state under Ten Hag.
Despite the Dutchman winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in the past two seasons, Ronaldo isn’t convinced by his former manager’s approach. United’s disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season and their rocky start to the current campaign have raised eyebrows among fans, and Ronaldo didn’t mince his words.
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo on Erik ten Hag: “Man United manager… you cannot say that you're not going to fight to win the Premier League or Champions League”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 11, 2024
“You’ve to say like: maybe we’ve not the potential but we're going to try. You have to try!”, told @FiveUk. pic.twitter.com/viGKnXJ6oH
“Manchester United needs to rebuild everything,” Ronaldo said. “The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the Premier League or Champions League. You cannot say that. You have to try. Even if you don’t have the potential, mentally, you have to say, ‘We’re going to try.’”
Ten Hag under pressure at Man Utd
Ten Hag, who arrived with high expectations after his success at Ajax, quickly made waves by benching Ronaldo in key matches, leading to tensions between the pair. Ronaldo’s frustrations boiled over in an interview with Piers Morgan before his departure, but it seems his criticism of Ten Hag’s leadership has not softened.
Ronaldo also hinted that United’s failure to lean on former players for guidance has been part of the problem. He pointed to legends like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane and Ferdinand himself as figures who could help steer the club back in the right direction.
“If Ten Hag listens to Ruud [van Nistelrooy], maybe he can help the club. You can’t rebuild a club you don’t understand,” Ronaldo added.
With Manchester United struggling on the pitch and the pressure mounting on Ten Hag, it remains to be seen whether the club will take Ronaldo’s advice or continue on their current path. For now, it’s clear the five-time Ballon d’Or winner isn’t holding back.
