“It made it a bit sticky” - Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand opens up on meeting Ten Hag after bombshell interview with Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has opened up on how his meeting with Erik ten Hag went after the former defender's interview with Cristiano Ronaldo. Ferdinand, who retired from professional football in 2015, spoke with the Portuguese legend on YouTube channel UR Cristiano.
During that interview, though, Ronaldo was notably critical of Erik ten Hag's mentality. The legendary forward spoke about how Manchester United, where he played 346 games across two stints, needed to "rebuild everything." He spoke about his former manager Ten Hag, telling Rio Ferdinand (via Sky Sports):
"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."
Soon after, Ferdinand went to the Carrington training complex in Manchester, where he interviewed Erik ten Hag. Speaking about how he felt on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former defender revealed his concerns ahead of meeting the manager (via Express):
"It made it a bit sticky I've got to be honest with you. The interview with Cristiano dropped on the Thursday 8am or 9am that morning, I was in the training ground at 10am."
However, things went fairly well, despite his concerns, with Ferdinand adding:
"I was walking and talking with Erik ten Hag doing an interview, training had finished, and I walked around. I was looking at the pitch and two players were on there doing extras - shooting. Cracking up, laughing, doing a competition. Bruno and Marcus Rashford."
Prior to the interview with Rio Ferdinand, Erik ten Hag notably responded to Cristiano Ronaldo's statement ahead of the Red Devils' 3-0 win over Southampton (via Sky Sports):
"He said that Manchester United can't win the Premier League. No, 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. It's OK."
Ten Hag will be pleased that they went on to secure a win over Southampton. The Red Devils will now look to get past Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on September 17.
Manchester United legend backs Cristiano Ronaldo to return
When Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in 2021, it was after he had become a Real Madrid legend and played at Juventus. Much was expected of the Portuguese, but his unceremonial exit from the club was not on the cards.
However, he notably fell out with the club hierarchy and manager Erik ten Hag, lambasting them in a bombshell interview with TV personality Piers Morgan. His contract was terminated in November 2022, and he left England for Saudi Arabia.
However, United legend Wes Brown believes Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the club, telling BoyleSports (via GOAL):
“When it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Manchester United in some capacity you can never say never... It was disappointing how it ended and I think he could return to try and make amends for the sour ending... I think the exit was a bit over the top but for him to come back in some way. I’d love it.”
Time will tell if Ronaldo will make the return to Old Trafford, with the 39-year-old getting nearer to his retirement each year.