S Poddar
Erik ten Hag has addressed the recent comments made by Cristiano Ronaldo, following the star forward’s departure from Manchester United. Ronaldo, who left the club after a public falling out with Ten Hag, recently criticized both the team and the manager, suggesting that the club cannot win the Premier League under its current leadership. In response, Ten Hag remarked, “He is far away from Manchester,” acknowledging that Ronaldo, now playing in Saudi Arabia, is entitled to his opinion.
Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United ended on a sour note, with the Portuguese star feeling “betrayed” by Ten Hag. Following a breakdown in their relationship, Ronaldo’s contract was terminated, and he has since been outspoken about the need for Manchester United to “rebuild everything.”
In a recent interview, Ronaldo said: “The coach, they say 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.” The comments highlight his frustration with what he perceives as a lack of ambition from the club and its manager.
Despite the criticism, Ten Hag seems unshaken, reiterating that people are free to express their opinions. His response—”Everyone is entitled to have an opinion, it’s OK”—suggests that he’s not letting Ronaldo’s words get under his skin. Ten Hag, however, is already under significant pressure, as Manchester United have had a poor start to the season, including a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford.
This rocky start is part of a larger trend. United have only won five of their last 16 Premier League matches, stretching back to last season. As the manager, Ten Hag finds himself in a position where every game becomes crucial. With an upcoming match against Southampton on the horizon, the manager is looking to turn things around.
Manchester United’s struggles aren’t just tactical. The team is dealing with injuries and has had to integrate several new and young players into the squad. Ten Hag acknowledged these challenges, but refused to use them as an excuse. “Before anyone says excuses, no, we have to win every game,” he emphasized. The Dutch manager is clear that his objective is to win as many matches as possible and focus on the long-term goal of competing for trophies by the end of the season.
Reflecting on the challenges of managing a team in transition, Ten Hag said, “We are still in a transition period. We have to integrate a lot of young players and are still dealing with injuries.” He added that the team should be judged in May, indicating that it’s still too early to draw conclusions from their shaky start. “It’s about winning trophies and being as high as possible… We will see where we are in May,” he added, showing his belief in the long-term process of building a competitive team.
While the pressure is on Ten Hag to deliver results quickly, he maintains a confident outlook. He is determined to steer Manchester United in the right direction and insists that the team is on a path of progress. Yet, his position at the club remains under scrutiny, especially after last season’s disappointing finish, where United secured their lowest place in the Premier League era by finishing eighth.
Looking ahead, Manchester United face a challenging period. Following the September international break, the team will play seven matches in just 22 days—a crucial period for Ten Hag and his squad. How they perform in this stretch could significantly influence the rest of their season and the manager’s future at the club.
The spotlight also falls on recent signings, particularly Manuel Ugarte, who could play a pivotal role in Manchester United’s midfield. Ten Hag has already warned that Ugarte, who was signed from Sporting Lisbon, may take time to adjust to the demands of the Premier League. However, with key players like Casemiro struggling, the manager may need to call on the Uruguay international sooner than expected.
Ten Hag confirmed that Ugarte is available for Manchester United’s upcoming match against Southampton, despite acknowledging that it may take “months” for the new signing to fully adapt to English football. He also provided an update on other injured players, including Rasmus Højlund and Luke Shaw, who are both recovering but will not be available for the game.
As Manchester United head into a crucial phase of the season, all eyes will be on Ten Hag to see how he navigates the challenges ahead. While Ronaldo’s criticisms may cast a shadow, Ten Hag remains focused on the task at hand: building a winning team and restoring Manchester United to its former glory.
