‘He Could No Longer Deliver’ – Ten Hag Explains Why Ronaldo Struggled at Man United

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained why Cristiano Ronaldo struggled during his second spell at Old Trafford, claiming the Portuguese forward could no longer meet the physical demands of elite football.

Ten Hag made the remarks during an interview with ESPN Netherlands’ Goedemorgen Eredivisie on Sunday, November 1, while reflecting on his difficult relationship with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Ronaldo returned to Manchester United from Juventus in 2021 but his relationship with Ten Hag deteriorated after the Dutchman took charge in 2022. The forward was frequently left out of the starting line-up before his contract was terminated by mutual agreement in November that year.

Ten Hag acknowledged Ronaldo’s exceptional status in football but argued that his performances and physical preparation had declined.

“The players wanted to work for him and they looked up to him because, let there be no misunderstanding about that, he is of course a tremendous player, one of the greats of all time,” he said.

“But that is also the reality over the last seven, eight years, he simply can no longer deliver. From Juventus onwards, it’s simply over.”

The former United manager said Ronaldo was no longer able to push himself through demanding training sessions and maintain the fitness required to compete at the highest level.

He explained that playing in the Premier League, Champions League or for Portugal required consistent physical preparation, adding that Ronaldo could no longer sustain the intensity expected.

Ten Hag also said the issue extended beyond pressing opponents, insisting the forward struggled to make the runs needed to get into scoring positions.

He maintained that every leading player must work for the team, regardless of reputation, and said his decisions at United were guided by the club’s interests.

Ronaldo’s departure followed a public breakdown in his relationship with Ten Hag. In an interview with Piers Morgan in November 2022, the forward said he felt betrayed by the club and criticised the manager and its leadership.

Despite the disagreement, Ten Hag recognised Ronaldo as one of football’s greatest players but insisted that no individual should be placed above the collective interests of a team.