'Cristiano Ronaldo was never the problem at Manchester United': Erik Ten Hag

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Aug 09, 2025, 19:34 IST

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Erik Ten Hag, now managing Bayer Leverkusen, defended Cristiano Ronaldo, stating he wasn't the problem at Manchester United despite their 2023 separation. Ten Hag, who won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with United before his dismissal, wishes Ronaldo well. Ronaldo, now with Al Nassr, previously criticized Ten Hag's approach, emphasizing the need for a winning mentality.

'Cristiano Ronaldo was never the problem at Manchester United': Erik Ten Hag

Cristiano Ronaldo (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Former Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has defended Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that the Portuguese striker was never the problem at the club, despite their contentious separation in 2023 when Ronaldo departed for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.Ten Hag addressed the situation following a pre-season friendly loss to Chelsea with his new club Bayer Leverkusen, where he now manages after being dismissed from Manchester United midway through the 2024/25 season.

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"For me, it is no problem; he was never the problem. I think it was what happened. It's the past, and after that, we won two trophies at Manchester United. I wish him all the best for the future, and I wish him the best of luck," Ten Hag said.During his tenure at Manchester United, Ten Hag secured both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup before his eventual dismissal.Two years after leaving United, Ronaldo criticized Ten Hag's approach in a conversation with former teammate Rio Ferdinand on a podcast."They need to rebuild everything, in my opinion. The coach says 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," Ronaldo stated.

Poll

Was Cristiano Ronaldo the problem during his time at Manchester United?

Yes, he was a problemNo, he was not the problem

Ronaldo has been showing impressive form ahead of the new season with Al Nassr, scoring a hat-trick against Portuguese side Rio Ave F.C.He is now preparing to face Al-Ittihad Club in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal on Tuesday.

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TOI Sports Desk

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