Cristiano Ronaldo says Ten Hag has a loser’s mentality

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • Updated: 11 Sept 2024 12:01 BST
  • 3 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik ten Hag, Man Utd
© IMAGO

Cristiano Ronaldo has launched a broadside on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, claiming that the Dutchman has a poor mentality.

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Ronaldo had a poor relationship with the former Ajax boss during their time together at Man Utd, ending with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner departing Old Trafford by mutual consent after a stinging attack on Ten Hag in an interview the club did not approve.

His thoughts towards his former boss at the Red Devils do not appear to have improved any since.

READ MORE: Man Utd issue Ten Hag sack date

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Player image Cristiano Ronaldo 
Cristiano Ronaldo 

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Cristiano Ronaldo 
Cristiano Ronaldo 

F (C)

Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr

€8.4M

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€6.3M - €10.5M

In particular, Ronaldo has targeted Ten Hag’s comments in which he previously claimed that United are not equipped to win the league and Champions League.

“Man Utd, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion. The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League,” Ronaldo told Rio Ferdinand.

“As a 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."

READ MORE: Man Utd top scorers 2024/25

Cristiano Ronaldo recently scored his 900th career goal
© IMAGO - Cristiano Ronaldo recently scored his 900th career goal

I was amazing at Man Utd - Ronaldo

Ronaldo seemed to take another dig at Ten Hag when he claimed he did “unbelievable things” during his second stint at Old Trafford, when he was ultimately relegated to the bench by the Dutchman.

“When I'm back at Man Utd, I was very happy. I was one of the best scorers,” he said.

“I did unbelievable things with the club. My first season at the age of 37, I was the third-best scorer in the league.

“I scored all the group stage. I scored every game. Even in the league, I scored 17 goals or 18 goals. I did amazing!”

Ronaldo has since become a figurehead at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, where he is out of contract in 2025, and is chasing 1000 career goals after notching his 900th against Croatia on international duty.

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