Ex-Man United Coach Shares Details of Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag Feud

Ex-Man United Coach Shares Details of Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag Feud

  • It's been nearly three years since Cristiano Ronaldo clashed with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag
  • The Portugal star fell out with the Dutchman after furiously storming off the pitch during a game
  • Former Man United assistant coach Steve McClaren has discussed how the former Ajax boss handled the situation

Former Manchester United coach Steve McClaren has lifted the lid on Erik ten Hag's handling of Cristiano Ronaldo's bust-up.

The Dutchman fell out with Ronaldo in 2022 during a game against Tottenham Hotspur, in which Ronaldo walked off before the full-time whistle. The Portuguese icon has never played for the club since that moment.

Cristiano Ronaldo has played in Saudi Arabia since his feud with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag
Cristiano Ronaldo has thrived in the Saudi Pro League since leaving Manchester United. Photo: Adrian Dennis.
Source: UGC

After the former Ajax boss refused to play him, Ronaldo stormed off the pitch and later gave an explosive interview with controversial British journalist Piers Morgan.

Read also

Jose Mourinho gives reasons for avoiding press conference after Fenerbahce lost to Galatasaray

He called out Erik ten Hag for not showing him respect and added that some people were trying to force him out.

"Yes. Not only the coach, but the other two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed," he said via Sky Sports.
"I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me. If you don't have respect for me, I'm never gonna have respect for you."

The former Real Madrid star currently plays for Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr.

How did Erik ten Hag handle Ronaldo's issue?

McClaren was Erik ten Hag's first assistant manager when he joined the club in 2022. He lauded the Dutchman's handling of the situation.

"I couldn't fault his [Ten Hag's] approach," he said via 90min. "He really handled it very well. I said at the time he was the right man to go in. He came in with set standards. Set rules. Set way of playing. And if you didn't run, you didn't play. He was rigid on that."

Read also

Ex-EPL recalls how Football Manager screenshot nearly ruined his relationship

"This is what you had to do – or you didn't play. And he took on Ronaldo, and quite rightly."

That season, Man United finished third and won the Carabao Cup. However, in the 2023/24 season, the Red Devils produced their worst Premier League finish but ended with an FA Cup crown.

Ronaldo advises Erik ten Hag

Briefly News also reported that Man United legend Cristiano Ronaldo sent a message to the club and coach Erik ten Hag.

The Al-Nassr star aimed a thinly veiled criticism at Erik ten Hag for his remarks suggesting that Manchester United are not in contention for major titles this season.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Justin Williams avatar

Justin Williams (Editor) Justin Williams is a multimedia journalist who recently completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Film & Multimedia Production and English Literary Studies from the University of Cape Town. He is a former writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa: South African chapter. You can contact Justin at justin.williams@briefly.co.za