Ronaldo has once again spoken out against Erik Ten Hag – questioning the Manchester United manager’s ambition and experience.
His comments have reopened the dispute between the pair which publicly began after a Piers Morgan interview in 2022, when a fallout over playing time and form saw him say that he had been disrespected and “betrayed” by the manager.
Ronaldo’s second spell with United ended soon after and he moved to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel this week, Ronaldo said: “You cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the Premier League or Champions League.
“You’ve got to say, ‘Maybe we’ve not the potential but we’re going to try.’ You have to try!”
He went on to urge the manager to consult the United legends who are part of the current Ten Hag set up.
“If Ten Hag listens to Ruud van Nistelrooy… maybe he can help,” he said, nodding to his former United team-mate who has returned to Old Trafford this summer as assistant manager.
“He knows the club and the club should listen to the guys who were there.
“You cannot rebuild a club without knowledge.”
Despite his opinions on Ten Hag, Ronaldo admitted that he does still have love for the Red Devils – despite his up and down return period at Old Trafford which concluded in 2022.
In an clip released earlier this week, he said: “We cannot control some points of our lives sometimes but it’s done, it’s already done.
“I still love Manchester United and I wish them the best.”
The Al Nassr forward’s comments have sparked mixed reaction within the United fanbase.
One X user spoke in support of the superstar, saying: “He doesn’t even have to say it, the real ones already know, he exposed our club’s issues, he wanted the best for us, conclusion he was cowardly pushed out.”
But another said: “With all due respect Mr. Cristiano Ronaldo, you say you love Manchester United but acted completely against the club for your fight with Erik ten Hag. No hate, it’s just disappointment.”
Ten Hag has found himself under early pressure this season, where United have lost two out of their first three games. He will look to defy Ronaldo’s comments this weekend when his team head to Southampton this weekend in a must win affair.
Feature Image: Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube Channel
