Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo let Manchester United down

Ten Hag criticises player fitness

The Dutchman told The Athletic that Ronaldo could not complete the full running distance expected of players after a defeat by Brentford. Ten Hag added that Ronaldo ran neither in possession nor out of possession during matches under his management. He stated that Ronaldo was not capable of doing the pressing required because he did not prepare himself.

Contract ended via mutual agreement

Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham in October 2022 before publicly criticising the club in an interview. His contract was mutually terminated the following month after he scored just three goals in 16 outings for the season. Ten Hag explained that he had to make a rational decision to keep players he admired while Ronaldo left.