What Happened Between Erik Ten Hag And Cristiano Ronaldo?

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in 2021 however after a disappointing year Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked and eventually replaced by Erik Ten Hag.

However, Ronaldo controversially decided to take part in an interview with Piers Morgan where he slammed the club and the current United boss.

Ronaldo claimed that he felt “betrayed” by the Dutch manager and referenced that he had “no respect” for his boss after being “forced out”. This ultimately the start of his downfall at the club leading to his eventual dismissal.

In November 2022, Ronaldo left the Red Devils by “mutual consent” leading to his eventual switch to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo says he felt "provoked" by Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag and addresses leaving the ground during a preseason friendly.

Watch live: https://t.co/ajbahBvQpp @cristiano | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #90MinutesWithRonaldo | #PMU pic.twitter.com/swWIvSXYsY
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) November 17, 2022

What Has Cristiano Ronaldo Said Recently About Manchester United?

This week, CR7 spoke out again about his former club saying they need to “rebuild everything”. However, notably the 39 year old spoke about Ten Hag once again.

“The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the league and Champions League. Manchester United coach… you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the league or Champions League.” Ronaldo said.

He would go on to discuss how his former United teammate and current Manchester United assistant coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy could help United saying:

“If Ten Hag listen to Ruud, maybe he can help... he knows the club and the club should listen to the guys who were there… You cannot rebuild a club without knowledge.”

“I believe that Ruud is going to help because he was inside the club. He knows the club. He knows the fans. If the coach listens to him, I think they can improve.”

🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo: “If Ten Hag listens to Ruud van Nistelrooy… maybe he can help”.

“He knows the club and the club should listen the guys who were there”.

“Rio, Roy Keane, Scholes, Gary Neville, Sir Alex Ferguson”.

“You cannot, you cannot rebuild a club without knowledge”. pic.twitter.com/qlSlwkLwwu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 11, 2024

How Has Erik Ten Hag Responded To Ronaldo’s Comments?

The United boss was asked about Ronaldo’s comments this week in his press conference before United’s match against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

When asked Ten Hag said, “He said that Manchester United can’t win the Premier League. He said this if you read the article very well.

“So he’s far away in Saudi, far from Manchester. Everyone is entitled to have an opinion.”

🚨🔴 Ten Hag on Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments: “He said that Man United can’t win the Premier League. He said this, if you read the article very well”.

“Ronaldo is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester. Everyone can have an opinion. It’s okay!”. pic.twitter.com/PITL1oZSHx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 12, 2024

The pressure is very much on for the Man United boss after picking up just 3 points in the opening 3 games. Ten Hag will look to get his team back on track as they travel to Southampton.