Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag stated that Cristiano Ronaldo failed to train to the expected standard during their brief time together at Old Trafford, according to comments reported by detiksport.

Erik ten Hag took charge of Manchester United in the summer of 2022, succeeding interim manager Ralf Rangnick. His tenure overlapping with Cristiano Ronaldo lasted just a few months. The relationship fractured publicly following a 4-0 defeat to Brentford in August 2022, after which Ten Hag ordered the squad to run laps as a fitness and discipline measure. According to Ten Hag, Ronaldo completed one fewer lap than required and failed to elevate his heart rate to the requested level during training sessions.

Speaking to The Athletic, Ten Hag explained that he had flown to Portugal prior to taking the United job to discuss his sporting project with the forward. “He disappointed the team, and he disappointed me, because we had put a plan in place involving him,” Ten Hag said. He added that Ronaldo instructed teammates during training sessions to save their energy.

Tactical Demands and Physical Preparation Clash at Old Trafford

The Dutch manager addressed ongoing debates surrounding his tactical expectations, pushing back against the notion that he demanded an unsustainable defensive press from the Portuguese star. Instead, Ten Hag pointed to fundamental physical preparation and positioning. He noted that he repeatedly told Ronaldo he needed to arrive inside the penalty area to score goals, but argued the player was physically unable to execute the required movement because he had not prepared properly.

During their shared months at the club, Ronaldo made 16 appearances across all competitions under Ten Hag, scoring three goals and providing two assists. The friction culminated in November 2022 when Ronaldo gave a television interview criticizing the club and the manager, leading Manchester United to terminate his contract by mutual agreement. Ronaldo subsequently moved to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

Wider Squad Impact and Organizational Culture Criticisms

Ten Hag suggested that Ronaldo’s attitude during training had a broader influence within the Old Trafford dressing room. He remarked that for some individuals within the squad, football and Manchester United were not top priorities. Corroborating reporting from CNN Indonesia regarding Ten Hag’s subsequent interview details, the manager asserted that club management permitted a toxic culture to persist by ceding excessive authority to players.

During his tenure, which lasted until his departure in October 2024, Ten Hag secured two domestic trophies, winning the League Cup in the 2022–23 season and the FA Cup in the 2023–24 campaign. Goal.com reported that the manager also detailed unfulfilled transfer targets during the same interview cycle, noting that moves for Harry Kane, Declan Rice, and Frenkie de Jong ultimately failed to materialize due to various factors involving club backing and player willingness.

Unresolved Questions Regarding Representation Responses

Representatives for Cristiano Ronaldo were approached by The Athletic for comment regarding Ten Hag’s assertions, but no response was provided prior to the publication of the interview.