Reported earring incident involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United boss Ten Hag that led to breakdown in relationship surfaces
According to a report by the Manchester Evening News, Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik Ten Hag's relationship at Manchester United took an early hit due to a dispute over an earring. The Dutch manager instructed the legendary Portuguese striker to take off the reported item of jewelry in training and he allegedly snapped at the request.
The duo would begin a power struggle at the club, which culminated in an explosive interview from the Real Madrid legend with Piers Morgan. The interview would spell the end for Ronaldo's second stint at Old Trafford and he would move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 27 goals in 54 appearances for Manchester United in his second stint with the club after rejoining for €15 million from Juventus. He left Ten Hag's team in the winter of 2022.
Cristiano Ronaldo aims digs at Erik ten Hag's mentality in fresh comments about his Manchester United exit
Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on his exit from Manchester United in fresh comments that look to aim at Erik Ten Hag. The legendary striker spoke with former teammate Rio Ferdinand and reminisced on his return and exit from Old Trafford for a second time.
The striker discussed his return to the club, saying (via Manchester Evening News):
“When I'm back there, I was very happy. I was one of the best scorers. I did, I did unbelievable things with the club. My first season with 37, I was the third best scorer of the league. I scored all the group stage. I scored every game. Even in the league, I scored 17 goals or 18 goals. I did amazing."
The 39-year-old continued and pointed out his concerns with Ten Hag's mentality following his arrival, saying:
“But as I told you, Manchester, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion. 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. 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."
Cristiano Ronaldo moved to the Saudi Pro-League where he has enjoyed individual success with Al-Nassr, scoring 67 goals in 74 games but failing to secure any silverware for his new side. Ten Hag remains the Red Devils boss and has won the FA Cup and League Cup in his two seasons at the club despite leading the 20-time English Champions to an eighth-place finish last season.