If it were up to Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik ten Hag at Manchester United would primarily listen to Ruud van Nistelrooij. The Portuguese star once again takes a shot at the former Ajax coach but also offers some advice.
In a candid interview with FIVEUK, Cristiano Ronaldo didn't hold back as he gave clear advice to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
The Portuguese legend urged Ten Hag to listen to figures who have deep connections to the club, notably Ruud van Nistelrooij. "If Ten Hag listens to Ruud van Nistelrooij, he might be able to help the club," Ronaldo suggested, emphasizing the value of experience from former players and coaches who understand Manchester United's identity and history.
Ronaldo continued by stressing that individuals like Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, and Sir Alex Ferguson are crucial voices the club should heed. "The club must listen to the men who were there before. You can't rebuild a club without knowledge," he said, hinting that Ten Hag may not be leveraging the full potential of Manchester United’s rich legacy.
The interview also included sharp criticism of Ten Hag’s management style. According to Ronaldo, Ten Hag frequently offers too many excuses and plays down the team's ambitions, something the forward finds perplexing. "You can't say you're not going to fight to win the Premier League or Champions League," Ronaldo asserted. "You have to say: maybe we don't have the biggest chances, but we're going to try. You must try!" The veteran forward made it clear that, in his view, the mentality at a club like Manchester United should always be to aim for the top, no matter the circumstances.
Despite the criticism, Ronaldo also took a moment to express his enduring affection for Manchester United. He spoke warmly of his two spells at the club, especially highlighting his second stint, which, despite the turbulent ending, still brought him personal satisfaction. "When I returned to Manchester United, I was very happy. I was one of the top scorers and achieved incredible things with the club," Ronaldo recalled.
Ronaldo, who rejoined Manchester United in 2021 at the age of 37, reminded fans of his remarkable performances during that period. "When I came back, I was the Premier League’s top scorer after Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-Min. I scored in every Champions League group stage match! I did great," he said, reflecting on his impact on the field.
However, Ronaldo’s second tenure at Manchester United was short-lived due to an apparent falling out with Ten Hag. Despite his achievements, the friction between the player and manager led to Ronaldo's abrupt departure from the club. While Ronaldo didn't dive into the details of their conflict, it was clear that their differences in vision and approach were irreconcilable.
Ronaldo’s comments in this interview continue to underline his deep passion for Manchester United, but they also reveal his frustration with how things unfolded under Ten Hag. The interview has certainly sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many wondering if United’s current struggles could have been mitigated had the club embraced more of the wisdom from its past legends. Ronaldo’s suggestion that figures like Ruud van Nistelrooij, who knows the club inside out, should play a more prominent role, raises intriguing questions about United’s future and its quest to return to the top of English and European football.
