"Ten Hag is so deluded", "Hard to like this guy" - Fans slam Manchester United boss for his response to Cristiano Ronaldo's comments
Football fans on social media have slammed Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for his response to Cristiano Ronaldo's comments about the club. In a recent interview with Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo had criticized Ten Hag's mentality for claiming that United aren't ready to compete for the Premier League or the Champions League.
The Dutch tactician has replied that Ronaldo himself admitted Manchester United need a rebuild. He said (via Fabrizio Romano on X):
"He [Cristiano Ronaldo] said that Man United can't win the Premier League. He said this, if you read the article very well. Ronaldo is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester. Everyone can have an opinion. It's okay!"
Social media went abuzz after Ten Hag's quotes became public, with fans bashing the Manchester United manager for his comments.
A Real Madrid supporter also shared their opinion on the debate by mocking the former Ajax manager.
Another supporter questioned Erik ten Hag's achievements.
"THIS MAN IS VERY PROUD OF HIMSELF WITH MO RECORD TO SHOW THAN A CARABAO CUP. What a joke," they posted.
"Ronaldo is a legend so he knows football," quipped another fan.
Cristiano Ronaldo played under Erik ten Hag for half a season before leaving for Al-Nassr in December 2022. The Portuguese icon criticized Ten Hag and United in an interview with Piers Morgan at the time, which led to his contract being terminated.
"Manchester United need to rebuild everything" - Cristiano Ronaldo
On the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Cristiano Ronaldo fired shots at Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag's mindset and approach. He questioned the manager's attitude for saying that they can't win the Premier League and Champions League.
"The coach says they cannot compete to win the 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," Ronaldo said.
"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," the former Real Madrid and Juventus star added.
When asked what his former side need to do to once again challenge for top honours, Ronaldo said:
"They need to rebuild everything, in my opinion."
Although his second stint did not yield silverware, Cristiano Ronaldo has an impressive legacy at Manchester United. He has won three Premier League titles and the Champions League with the club while winning the Ballon d'Or during his first spell at Old Trafford.