"He’s far away in Saudi" - Ten Hag responds to Cristiano Ronaldo's comments on Manchester United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese legend criticized the Dutch coach during an interview. Notably, Ten Hag has had a rather topsy-turvy period at the helm of the club, winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in the span of two years.
However, he led the Mancunian giants to their worst position in Premier League history, as they finished in eighth place last season. This season has also started with a whimper, as the Red Devils have managed one win out of three, losing the other two. A major highlight was their comprehensive 3-0 loss to Liverpool at Old Trafford on September 1.
Cristiano Ronaldo questioned Erik ten Hag's mentality during an episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents on his YouTube channel UR Cristiano. The legendary striker said (via BBC):
"The coach says they cannot compete to win the [Premier] League and Champions League. As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you're not going to fight to win the league or Champions League. Mentally [you can] say maybe we don't have that potential, but I cannot say that. We're going to try, you have to try.
"What I wish for Manchester [United], it's what I wish for me - [to be] the best team they can. I love that club... I'm not that kind of guy that forgot the past."
Ten Hag has now responded to the Al-Nassr striker's criticism. Speaking to the press ahead of the Red Devils' outing at Southampton on September 14, the manager said (via Utd District):
"He said that Manchester United can’t win the Premier League. He said this if you read the article very well. He’s far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester. Everyone can have an opinion. It’s ok..."
Erik ten Hag will be hoping to secure the win over Southampton in their fourth match of the season. It could spell serious trouble for him if they lose three games in a row. There are concerns about the Red Devils, as they currently sit in 14th place in the Premier League. Getting all three points will be the focus at St. Mary's Stadium.
Why did Cristiano Ronaldo leave Manchester United?
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United after leaving Juventus in 2021, to the delight of the club and the fanbase. However, after spending just over a season, his contract was terminated by the end of 2022 and he joined Al-Nassr in January 2023.
He notably lashed out at the club hierarchy and manager during an explosive tell-all interview with TV personality Piers Morgan in 2022. He revealed his feelings about being betrayed by the club, while also making it clear that he did not respect Erik ten Hag.
This played in public view when he notably refused to come onto the pitch as a late substitute during their Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur in October 2022. By November, Manchester United terminated his contract ahead of the Qatar World Cup, which saw Cristiano Ronaldo play for Portugal as a free agent.