According to a report by Fabrizio romano on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revisited his difficult relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, explaining why he eventually made decisions that contributed to the Portuguese forward's departure from Old Trafford.

Ten Hag acknowledged Ronaldo's status as one of the greatest players in football history but maintained that his responsibilities as manager required him to prioritise the team's interests over an individual's reputation. According to the Dutch coach, he had held discussions with Ronaldo before taking charge at Manchester United, outlining his plans and expectations for the club.

“I flew out to Portugal to speak with him about what I was aiming for before I came to United,” Ten Hag said, reflecting on his initial efforts to establish a working relationship with the forward.

Despite the respect he had for Ronaldo's achievements, Ten Hag expressed disappointment over what he described as the player's failure to meet the team's expectations. He said the situation was particularly frustrating because the club had made plans that involved the experienced attacker.

“He let the team down, and he let me down, because we planned with him,” the former United manager stated.

Ten Hag also questioned Ronaldo's training habits and contribution to the team's pressing system. He claimed the forward was not performing the physical work required, both when Manchester United had possession and when they were attempting to win the ball back.

The manager argued that even the biggest stars must meet the same professional standards as their teammates. In his view, reputation and individual quality could not replace the fitness, discipline and collective effort needed to compete at the highest level.

“Every top team has to embrace the top player, but the top player has to work for the team,” Ten Hag explained.

He further alleged that Ronaldo had encouraged other players to conserve their energy during training. Ten Hag said such an approach could be understandable for a player already in excellent physical condition, but he believed training was essential for reaching and maintaining the required fitness levels.

Ronaldo's second spell at Manchester United ended in November 2022 after a public breakdown in his relationship with the club. His departure followed a controversial interview in which he criticised the club's leadership and expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of his treatment.

The dispute became one of the defining episodes of Ten Hag's time at Old Trafford, highlighting the challenge of managing a globally recognised superstar while trying to establish a new tactical system and dressing-room culture.

Although Ronaldo remains widely celebrated for his extraordinary goalscoring record and achievements, Ten Hag's latest comments underline the tensions that can arise when a manager's expectations clash with those of a high-profile player.

For Manchester United, the episode remains a reminder that individual brilliance and team discipline must work together if a club hopes to achieve sustained success.