The fractured relationship between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag at Manchester United wasn’t a matter of accommodating a superstar, but of Ronaldo failing to meet the standards set by the new manager. That’s the assessment of Steve McClaren, a key member of Ten Hag’s coaching staff during that tumultuous period, who detailed the situation in recent interviews.
McClaren, formerly assistant coach to Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford and later Ten Hag’s right-hand man, explained that Ten Hag implemented set standards. Set rules. Set way of playing
upon his arrival in 2022. These weren’t negotiable, and Ronaldo ultimately couldn’t – or wouldn’t – adhere to them. The details, as McClaren recounts, centered on a fundamental tenet of Ten Hag’s tactical approach: relentless pressing.
I used to say to Ronnie, ‘all he [Ten Hag] wants you to do is, you’re the first press,’
McClaren revealed, as reported by Facebook group MUFC Scoop. If you do that, you can play. If you don’t, you don’t play.
This seemingly simple requirement proved to be a breaking point. McClaren emphasized that Ten Hag wasn’t attempting to diminish Ronaldo’s status or alter his inherent playing style, but rather asking him to contribute to the collective defensive effort.
The situation escalated publicly after Ronaldo gave a bombshell interview to Piers Morgan in November 2022, accusing Ten Hag of betrayal
and criticizing the club’s direction. This interview effectively severed any remaining possibility of reconciliation, leading to the termination of Ronaldo’s contract and his subsequent move to Al-Nassr. However, McClaren believes Ten Hag’s handling of the affair was correct, stating he couldn’t fault his [Ten Hag’s] approach. He really handled it very well.
McClaren’s insights, shared with both The Telegraph and the Daily Mail, paint a picture of a manager unwavering in his principles. He contrasted Ten Hag’s approach with that of previous Manchester United managers, who, according to McClaren, tried to adapt
to accommodate Ronaldo’s presence. Ten Hag, however, didn’t feel it was necessary to do that
, instead focusing on developing other players
.
This rigidity, while ultimately leading to Ronaldo’s departure, is presented by McClaren as a positive attribute. He came in with set standards. Set rules. And if you didn’t run, you didn’t play. He was rigid on that. Which the Dutch are
, McClaren explained. This uncompromising stance, he argues, was what was needed
to instill discipline and a clear tactical identity within the team.
The fallout from Ronaldo’s exit was significant, dominating headlines and sparking debate about the balance between individual brilliance and team cohesion. The Independent reported on McClaren’s comments, highlighting the core issue: Ronaldo’s inability to conform to Ten Hag’s non-negotiable standards. The situation underscored the challenges of managing a player of Ronaldo’s stature, particularly when his playing style clashed with the manager’s tactical vision.
McClaren’s perspective offers a valuable inside look at the dynamics within Manchester United during a period of considerable upheaval. His account suggests that the decision to part ways with Ronaldo wasn’t a rash one, but rather a consequence of a fundamental incompatibility between the player and the manager’s philosophies. It wasn’t about diminishing Ronaldo’s talent, but about establishing a clear set of expectations and holding all players, regardless of their status, accountable to those standards.
The situation serves as a case study in modern football management, illustrating the increasing importance of tactical discipline and collective responsibility. While Ronaldo’s individual achievements are undeniable, McClaren’s comments suggest that his unwillingness to fully embrace Ten Hag’s system ultimately proved unsustainable. The incident highlights the evolving demands of the game, where even the most celebrated players must adapt to the manager’s vision to succeed.
McClaren’s history with both Manchester United and Erik ten Hag adds weight to his analysis. Having served as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson and then to Ten Hag, he possesses a unique understanding of the club’s culture and the manager’s approach. His insights provide a nuanced perspective on a complex situation, moving beyond the sensational headlines to reveal the underlying principles that guided Ten Hag’s decision-making.
