"The star must work for the team": Ten Hag doubles down on Cristiano Ronaldo after failed Manchester United return

Ten Hag criticises Ronaldo's lack of physical commitment and intensity during their time together, saying the star was no longer capable of the demands of elite football.

Erik Ten Hag has reiterated his criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo following their troubled spell together at Manchester United from April to November 2022. Speaking to ESPN, the Dutch manager acknowledged Ronaldo as one of football's greatest players but questioned his ability to meet modern football's physical demands.

"For seven or eight years, he simply hasn't been capable of it. Since Juventus, it's finished," Ten Hag said. He claimed Ronaldo could no longer push himself daily in training or maintain peak fitness, which Ten Hag argued is essential to compete in the Premier League, Champions League, or for Portugal.

Ten Hag defended his decision to move Ronaldo on, stating he had to make choices in the team's interest. He revealed he attempted to encourage Ronaldo to change his approach but ultimately it was the player's choice whether to make the effort. Ten Hag drew a comparison to Messi and Argentina, emphasizing that no player—not even Ronaldo or Messi—is bigger than the team, and that stars must work for their side.