Ten Hag says Ronaldo let United down

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has publicly criticised Cristiano Ronaldo for his performance during the Portuguese forward’s spell at Old Trafford. Ten Hag, who took charge of the club in 2022 and left in 2023, said that Ronaldo had let the team and himself down.

Ronaldo joined United in the summer of 2021, bringing with him a reputation for goal‑scoring and a high profile that many hoped would lift the club’s fortunes. The move was seen as a statement of intent by the club’s hierarchy, and expectations were set very high from the outset.

According to ten Hag, the player failed to live up to those expectations, and his contributions on the pitch did not match the hype that surrounded his arrival. The former manager’s comments reflect a broader sense of disappointment that has been felt by fans and pundits alike.

United’s performance during the two seasons that Ronaldo was at the club was uneven, with the team struggling to secure consistent results in both domestic and European competitions. Ten Hag’s remarks highlight the gap between the star’s perceived impact and the reality of the team’s output.

With Ronaldo’s departure in 2023, United are now looking to rebuild and find a new direction. The club’s future plans will likely involve reassessing the squad and exploring new signings that can help restore stability and ambition.