Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has accused Cristiano Ronaldo of failing to meet the physical demands expected of him during his second spell at Old Trafford, claiming the forward let down both the team and the coaching staff.
In an interview with The Athletic, the Dutchman alleged that Ronaldo repeatedly withdrew from training sessions, failed to reach the required fitness levels and encouraged other players to conserve their energy during training.
“He let the team down, and he let me down, because we planned with him,” Ten Hag said.
The former United boss acknowledged Ronaldo’s status as one of football’s greatest players but maintained that his decisions as manager had to be guided by the team’s needs.
“Obviously, he’s one of the best in football history. I respected him a lot. But at that time, as a manager, I had to make a rational decision and keep the players I admire in,” he said.
Ronaldo Allegedly Failed to Meet Fitness Requirements
Ten Hag claimed Ronaldo struggled to prepare himself adequately for matches, including failing to raise his heart rate to the required level during training sessions.
According to the former manager, the Portugal international was not consistently capable of getting into the positions needed to score, despite the team’s efforts to create opportunities for him.
“Many times I say, ‘Ronnie, everyone wants to work for you to bring you in the right position, but if you can’t bring yourself in the box, you can’t score’,” Ten Hag said.
He rejected suggestions that he had expected Ronaldo to take on pressing duties beyond his physical capabilities, arguing instead that the forward’s preparation was the underlying problem.
“He was not capable to do this. It’s the wrong idea to put this to me that I expected him to do the pressing, that he’s exhausted.
But he couldn’t. He ran neither in possession nor out of possession. The reason was because he didn’t prepare himself,” he said.
Ten Hag also stressed that leading players had responsibilities beyond their individual performances.
“Every top team has to embrace the top player, but the top player has to work for the team,” he added.
Former United Boss Claims Ronaldo Influenced Team-Mates
Ten Hag further alleged that Ronaldo’s approach to training affected the wider Manchester United squad.
The Dutchman claimed the forward encouraged other players to conserve their energy during training sessions by telling them to “save your legs”.
Ten Hag said he could understand the reasoning behind managing physical exertion when players were already in peak condition, but insisted that reaching the required fitness levels first was essential.
“I understand it when you are top fit; you have sessions, you can save the legs. But first you have to train yourself to get into the right fitness levels,” he said.
The former manager maintained that Ronaldo had initially been an important part of his plans and that he had communicated his expectations to the forward before working with him at United.
Relationship Deteriorated During Ten Hag’s First Months
Ronaldo’s relationship with Ten Hag deteriorated during the manager’s first months in charge, following his appointment in the summer of 2022.
The forward had already attracted criticism after leaving Old Trafford at half-time during a pre-season friendly after being substituted.
His conduct was subsequently addressed by the club’s management.
The dispute escalated in October 2022 when Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute during Manchester United’s match against Tottenham Hotspur and walked down the tunnel before the final whistle.
Ten Hag dropped the forward for United’s subsequent match against Chelsea, confirming that his decision followed Ronaldo’s refusal to enter the Tottenham game.
Steve McClaren, Ten Hag’s former assistant, also described a standoff between the manager and Ronaldo earlier in 2026.
McClaren said he had attempted to persuade the forward to follow the manager’s instructions to improve his chances of remaining in the team.
Explosive Interview Ended Ronaldo’s Second United Spell
Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United ended in November 2022 after an explosive interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan, during which he accused the club of betraying him and criticised Ten Hag.
“I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,” Ronaldo said of the Dutchman at the time.
He also alleged that people within the club did not want him to remain at Old Trafford.
“Some people, they don’t want me here – not only the coach but the other two or three guys.
Honestly, I shouldn’t say that. But listen, I don’t care. People should listen to the truth. Yes, I feel betrayed,” he said.
Manchester United subsequently announced that Ronaldo had left the club by mutual consent.
The forward made 16 appearances under Ten Hag, with their disagreement becoming one of the defining disputes of the Dutchman’s tenure.
Ronaldo reiterated his criticism of Ten Hag in 2024, arguing that the manager’s negative approach was unsuitable for a club of Manchester United’s stature.
Ten Hag was dismissed by United in October 2024.
Ronaldo’s Latest Dispute Involved Portugal Manager Jorge Jesus
Ronaldo, now 41, has also been involved in a separate dispute with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus.
Last month, the forward left Portugal’s squad, citing broken promises after being left on the bench during the team’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway.
Ronaldo claimed an agreement had been reached for him to play for 30 minutes as a substitute.
However, he said Jesus instructed him to warm up without eventually bringing him onto the pitch because the manager did not need him.
Before Portugal’s match against Denmark, Ronaldo was reportedly understood to have agreed to an eight-point statement for Jesus to deliver at a press conference.
The statement was intended to address speculation that the forward was demanding more playing time.
According to the account, Jesus departed from the agreed points, prompting Ronaldo to leave the Portugal camp and issue a 1,996-word statement accusing the manager of going back on his word twice.
Portuguese Football Authorities Impose Fine and Suspension
Ronaldo was subsequently fined £215 and handed a one-month suspension by Portuguese football authorities over his actions.
The suspension was backdated to September 30, meaning the punishment will not prevent him from returning to Portugal’s squad for next month’s Nations League fixtures if Jesus selects him.
