Cristiano Ronaldo recently reignited his criticisms of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, focusing on the Dutch coach’s mindset and leadership. Ronaldo, who left Manchester United on strained terms after clashing with Ten Hag, has once again expressed his disappointment in the way the club is being handled. The Portuguese legend, now playing for Al Nassr, did not hold back in his latest remarks, emphasizing that Manchester United cannot afford to have a defeatist mentality.
Ronaldo’s relationship with Manchester United began with high hopes when he returned to the club in 2021, welcomed by fans under then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, after Solskjaer’s dismissal, things started to deteriorate. Ronaldo initially clashed with interim manager Ralf Rangnick, and tensions escalated when Erik ten Hag took charge in 2022. Following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan, in which Ronaldo openly criticized the club and Ten Hag, United parted ways with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
In a recent podcast with former teammate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo revisited his criticism of Ten Hag’s leadership. He stressed that a manager of Manchester United should never claim that the team cannot compete for the Premier League or Champions League titles.
Ronaldo remarked, “A Manchester United coach cannot say we are not going to fight for the league or Champions League. You have to believe and try, even if you think the team may not be ready. It’s not just about the players; it’s about the mentality that drives success.”
With Manchester United currently struggling, having failed to qualify for the Champions League and beginning the Premier League season with two losses in three matches, Ronaldo’s remarks have struck a chord with fans. Despite the club’s significant investment in recent transfer windows, results on the field have fallen short of expectations.
Ronaldo also offered some advice for Ten Hag, suggesting that he lean on former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who recently joined the club’s coaching staff. “If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe it will help. He knows the club, the fans, and the environment. It’s important to have people who understand the club’s legacy,” Ronaldo said. He further urged the club to involve former players who have deep knowledge of Manchester United, such as Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, and Paul Scholes.
According to Ronaldo, rebuilding Manchester United requires insight from those who understand its history and values. “It’s the people who have been in the dressing room who know what the club stands for. They know how to manage the players and understand the expectations from the fans. Listening to these individuals could help the club improve,” Ronaldo added.
As Manchester United continues to navigate a challenging period, Ronaldo’s words have reignited debate about the direction of the club and Ten Hag’s leadership. Many fans hope that these insights, coming from one of the club’s most successful players, will prompt a shift in mentality within the club’s hierarchy.
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Read the full story about Ronaldo’s attack on Ten Hag’s mindset on Hindustan Times.
