'He's Far Away in Saudi...': MU's coach Erik ten Hag Defends Against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Critique

Cristiano Ronaldo is perhaps the best Manchester United player of all time, as he is the last ever player from Manchester United not but also the whole Premier League to win a Ballon d’Or in 2008. He rocked the football world under Sir Alex Ferguson and contributed significantly to the team's victory. His comeback in 2021 had a significant influence on the club's success. Despite his second stint with the team being terminated owing to managerial changes, it does not alter Ronaldo's excellent history with the Red Devils, which continues to resonate with fans across the world. 

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Erik Ten Hag replies to Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments after the football legend questioned the manager’s poor approach for Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo has launched harsh comments at Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag. Ronaldo voiced dissatisfaction with Ten Hag and advised Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel that the team would need a total makeover. This criticism centres on Ronaldo's leaving United after a conflict with the Dutch coach.

Ten Hag answered Ronaldo's comments by addressing the media on September 2, saying that it was really Ronaldo who had earlier suggested United would not be able to qualify for top honours. Ten Hag underlined that everyone has their own viewpoint and pointed out that Ronaldo is now living in Saudi Arabia. Ten Hag is focused on the next difficulties as Manchester United gets ready to start their Premier League games against Southampton. According to Sky Sports, Erik Ten Hag said: 

"He said that Manchester United can't win the Premier League. No, he said this if you read the article very well."

"So he's far away in Saudi, far from Manchester. Everyone is entitled to have an opinion. It's OK," 

"We will see where we are in May. It's very early in the season, it's about winning trophies and being as high as possible. Do everything to win every game. We will see in May. It doesn't impact me.

"I know where we are going, we are still in a transition period. We have to integrate a lot of young players and are still dealing with injuries.

“Before anyone says excuses, no, we have to win every game. The team knows this,”

What were Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments on Erik Ten Hag? 

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese legend, finds it especially upsetting to see Old Trafford's collapse over the last ten years, even labelling United a decent team may now be overstated if we look at the standard of football they once had. Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson ruled the football world and especially the Premier League which was at its peak in the Barclays era. However, it’s never been the same since the esteemed manager left.  Peaking on Erik Ten Hag, CR7 opined: 

“United, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion. The coach (Ten Hag), they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League,” Ronaldo told in conversation with Five.

“As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. You have to be, 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.

“This is why Man United need to rebuild”.

“If Ten Hag listens to Ruud van Nistelrooy… maybe he can help. He knows the club and the club should listen the guys who were there, as this is really important,” 

“Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Sir Alex Ferguson… you need advice from this people. You cannot rebuild a club without knowledge”

The struggling Erik Ten Hag should probably take Ronaldo up on his suggestion. The Portuguese forward's amazing record of 145 goals and 64 assists in 346 games for United emphasises his importance. Over his seven-year stint, Ronaldo also has three Premier League medals, two League Cups, one Champions League trophy, and one FA Cup.