The fractured relationship between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag at Manchester United wasn’t a matter of clashing philosophies, but a firm adherence to standards by the Dutch manager, according to former United assistant coach Steve McClaren. McClaren, who served as Ten Hag’s number two during Ronaldo’s final months at Old Trafford, revealed the core issue stemmed from Ten Hag’s unwavering insistence on discipline and a non-negotiable work rate.
Ronaldo’s second stint with Manchester United ended acrimoniously in November 2022, following a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan where he criticized the club, the Glazer family, and Ten Hag himself. However, the seeds of discontent were sown much earlier, rooted in Ten Hag’s decision to prioritize emerging talents over the established superstar. This wasn’t a personal slight, McClaren insists, but a matter of principle.
“He [Ten Hag] came in with set standards. Set rules. Set way of playing. And if you didn’t run, you didn’t play,” McClaren explained in an interview. “He was rigid on that. Which the Dutch are. He knew that was what was needed. There could be no flexibility, no way the players could manoeuvre [out of that responsibility]. This is what you had to do – or you didn’t play. And he took on Ronaldo, and quite rightly.”
The situation escalated as Ronaldo, accustomed to being a central figure and a guaranteed starter, expressed his frustration at being utilized as an “impact player.” His unhappiness was further compounded by United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League. Despite his vocal displeasure, Ten Hag remained resolute, ultimately leading to the termination of Ronaldo’s contract.
McClaren emphatically supports Ten Hag’s handling of the situation, stating he “can’t fault” the manager’s “approach.” He believes Ten Hag’s firmness was precisely what was needed to restore order and establish a clear identity within the squad. Previous managers, like Ralf Rangnick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, had attempted to accommodate Ronaldo’s status, but without the same success.
“Other managers have tried to adapt. Erik didn’t feel it was necessary to do that,” McClaren said. “Ralf Rangnick had tried and it hadn’t quite worked out and Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] the same.”
The conflict wasn’t simply about playing time, but about adherence to a system. Ten Hag’s vision for Manchester United demanded a high-intensity, pressing style of play, and he was unwilling to compromise on that, even for a player of Ronaldo’s stature. This uncompromising stance, while ultimately leading to Ronaldo’s departure, is now viewed by McClaren as a necessary step in establishing a clear and consistent team ethos.
Ronaldo eventually joined Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr on a free transfer, bringing an end to his second spell at Old Trafford. While the departure was undoubtedly a difficult one for all involved, McClaren’s insights suggest it was a consequence of a fundamental clash between a legendary player’s expectations and a manager’s unwavering commitment to his principles.
The situation highlights the challenges of managing a global superstar within a modern, demanding football environment. Ten Hag’s willingness to prioritize the collective over the individual, even at the cost of losing a player of Ronaldo’s caliber, underscores his commitment to building a cohesive and disciplined team. The long-term benefits of this approach remain to be seen, but McClaren’s assessment suggests Ten Hag made the right call, even if it was a difficult one.
The fallout wasn’t immediate, but built over time. Reports indicate Ronaldo even displayed frustration with the manager’s tactics during training sessions, with one instance noting he wore an earring during practice. This seemingly minor detail, however, spoke to a growing disconnect and a challenge to the established norms Ten Hag was attempting to implement.
the story serves as a case study in the evolving dynamics between players and managers in the modern game. The era of accommodating individual stars at the expense of team structure appears to be waning, with managers increasingly empowered to enforce their vision, regardless of reputation or past achievements. Ten Hag’s handling of the Ronaldo situation, as described by McClaren, exemplifies this shift in power dynamics.
