Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo "let the team and let me down" during the Dutchman's tenure at Old Trafford, citing the Portugal forward's lack of preparation and commitment to the club's tactical demands.
According to BBC Sport, Ten Hag revealed he had travelled to Portugal before taking charge in summer 2022 to discuss his vision with Ronaldo, who was in his second spell at United. The forward departed in controversial circumstances just months later, after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham in October 2022 and subsequently being dropped for a Premier League fixture at Chelsea.
Ten Hag told The Athletic that despite his respect for Ronaldo's status as one of football's greatest players, he had to make a managerial decision to retain players who would commit fully to his methods.
"He let the team down, and he let me down, because we planned with him. I flew out to Portugal to speak with him about what I was aiming for before I came to United. Obviously, he's one of the best in football history. I respected him a lot. But at that time, as a manager, I had to make a rational decision and keep the players I admire in."
What were the specific fitness issues?
Ten Hag pointed to Ronaldo's physical conditioning as a fundamental problem. According to The New York Times, Ronaldo pulled out of training sessions, failed to reach the required heart rate levels, and completed only two of three laps following United's 4-0 defeat to Brentford in August 2022. Ten Hag rejected suggestions that he had expected the then-36-year-old to perform intensive pressing work, instead emphasising that Ronaldo's lack of preparation was the root cause.
"It's the wrong idea to put this to me that I expected him to do the pressing, that he's exhausted. But he couldn't. He ran neither in possession nor out of possession. The reason was because he didn't prepare himself. Every top team has to embrace the top player, but the top player has to work for the team. He was telling the players, 'save your legs at the training'. I understand it when you are top fit - you have sessions you can save the legs. But first you have to train yourself to get into the right fitness levels."
During his time under Ten Hag, Ronaldo managed just three goals in 16 appearances before his departure during the 2022-23 campaign.
How did Ronaldo respond to his treatment?
In November 2022, Ronaldo gave an interview in which he claimed he felt "betrayed" by United and stated he did not respect Ten Hag. He alleged he was being forced out of the club before his exit was eventually "mutually agreed" between the parties.
The dispute between manager and player came as part of a broader pattern of conflict. Earlier this year, Ronaldo left Portugal's international camp following disagreements with head coach Jorge Jesus over his playing status. He had been an unused substitute against Norway and was informed he would not start against Denmark, leading him to accuse Jesus of breaking his word regarding his role in the team.
What disciplinary action has Ronaldo faced?
The Portuguese Football Federation has handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros (approximately £215) for his departure from the national team camp. According to ABC News, Ronaldo formally admitted the facts and the federation determined the suspension was adequate and sufficient, with his clean disciplinary record helping to reduce the penalty from what could have been a larger fine.
The suspension began on 1 October, meaning Ronaldo had already served 19 days by the time Ten Hag's comments were published on 20 October and was not expected to miss a Portugal match as a result of the disciplinary action.
What else has Ten Hag said about his Manchester United tenure?
Ten Hag, who was sacked by Manchester United in October 2024 after winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024, reflected on his transfer ambitions during his three years in charge. He stated he had wanted to sign Frenkie de Jong, Harry Kane and Declan Rice, and expressed his opposition to the sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli in August 2024.
Ten Hag identified goal-scoring as the most persistent challenge throughout his tenure.
"I said for the first season, 'centre-half, there's a problem, centre-midfield, there is a problem, and especially I need a strategist, then we need goals'. And that was the biggest issue in all my three years: goals."
What happens next for Ronaldo?
Ronaldo was expected to be available for Portugal's Nations League match against Denmark on 14 November, as his suspension period would have concluded by that date.
