Erik ten Hag responds to Cristiano Ronaldo criticism about his ambition at struggling Manchester United, saying the Portugal star is “far from Manchester” on September 12.
Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United ended dramatically in November 2022 following his critical remarks about his Dutch manager.
Cristiano Ronaldo Latest Comments
The 39-year-old player from Al-Nassr criticized Ten Hag again this week, stating that his attitude was too negative for a club as prestigious as United.
Ronaldo mentioned in the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast that “It’s not possible for the Manchester United coach to say that they won’t strive to win either the Premier League or the Champions League.”
“You have 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.”
He also mentioned that the club needs to “rebuild everything” and that it “will be difficult” for them to compete for the top trophies.
Ferdinand was Ronaldo’s teammate during his successful first spell at United from 2003 to 2009.
Erik Ten Hag Responds to Ronaldo Criticism
Ten Hag expressed confidence in winning more silverware this season after securing the League Cup and FA Cup in the last two seasons.
But in July, he stated that his team is a “long way away” from being ready to win the Premier League. Manchester United has not been crowned champions of England since Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge in 2013.
When Ronaldo’s comments about his mentality were brought up to him at a September 12 press conference, Ten Hag said: “He actually mentioned that Manchester United can’t win the Premier League. No, that’s not what he said if you read the article very carefully.”
Ten Hag Focus on Man United Progress
“He’s in Saudi Arabia, far away from Manchester. Everyone has the right to have an opinion. It’s fine.”
Ronaldo gave the interview following an international break that came right after United’s embarrassing 3-0 defeat at home to bitter rivals Liverpool.
Ten Hag stated that it did not affect him.
“It doesn’t affect me,” he insisted. “I know where we are in the process, what we have to do, and where we are going.”
I have previously mentioned that we are still in a transition period. We need to integrate a lot of young players into the team.
We still have players dealing with injuries, and we need to reintegrate them into the team. Let’s focus on winning every game instead of making excuses.
It doesn’t matter who is available; I am certain that the team is aware of this. We will focus on every game and have the mindset that we have to win in every game.
Upcoming Challenges for Manchester United
United upset Manchester City in the FA Cup final in May, but they had their worst Premier League campaign last season, finishing eighth.
The 20-time English champions, who will visit Southampton on Sept 14, have suffered two defeats in their first three league matches this season.
Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund remain injured, but Manuel Ugarte, the new signing, could debut after he represented Uruguay in the midweek.
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