“Manchester United coach, you cannot say that” - Cristiano Ronaldo questions Erik ten Hag’s opinion on ambition at Old Trafford
Cristiano Ronaldo has questioned Erik ten Hag's ambitions as Manchester United manager. He believes the Red Devils' manager should aim for the title every season even if they do not have the potential to go all the way.
While in a conversation with Rio Ferdinand on YouTube channel FIVE UK, Ronaldo claimed that Manchester United needed a big rebuild. He said:
"Manchester United, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion. The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League. [As a] Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you're not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. You have to be, to mentally say, listen, maybe we don't have that potential, but I cannot say that. We're going to try. You have to try."
Manchester United extended Ten Hag's contract this summer after the club won the FA Cup last term.
Cristiano Ronaldo hit out at Erik ten Hag before his infamous Manchester United exit
Cristiano Ronaldo criticized Erik ten Hag while in a conversation with UK TV personality Piers Morgan in November 2022. He claimed that the manager had no respect for him, and that was reciprocated by the player.
He told Piers Morgan (vis GOAL):
"I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me. Honestly, I shouldn't say this. But listen, I don't care. People should listen to the truth. Yes, I feel betrayed and I felt that some people they don't want me here. Not only this year, but last year too."
The Portuguese star also took shots at Manchester United as a club and their owners and said:
"Since Sir Alex Ferguson left I saw no evolution in the club, the progress was zero. Nothing changed. Not only the pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym. Even some points of technology. Even the kitchen, the chefs, who I appreciate and they are lovely people, they stopped in time, which surprised me a lot. I thought I would have seen different things [when I came back], different technology, infrastructure. But unfortunately we see many things that I used to see when I was 20, 21, 23. It surprised me a lot."
Cristiano Ronaldo's contract at Manchester United was terminated just before the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He went on to join Al Nassr, where he has been playing since.