TAKING THE CRIS Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest fierce criticism of Man Utd with spiky response to club legend
The pair already had a public spat during Ronaldo's second spell at Man Utd
Posted Friday, September 13, 2024 by Thesun.co.uk
ERIK TEN HAG has broken his silence after Cristiano Ronaldo launched a stinging attack on on the Manchester United boss.
Ronaldo, who already has history with Ten Hag from his second spell at Man Utd, slammed the Dutchman for his negative outlook on United's ambitions.
Erik ten Hag has offered up a spiky response to Cristiano Ronaldo's swipe at Man Utd Credit: Reuters
Ronaldo suggested that the Red Devils need to 'rebuild everything' Credit: Getty
Ronaldo claimed that the Red Devils need to "rebuild everything" and took a swipe at Erik ten Hag for suggesting that a club of Man Utd's stature can't compete for the biggest trophies.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ronaldo said: “As I told you, Manchester, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion.
“The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League.
“[As] 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.”
Ten Hag has now offered up his views on Ronaldo's claims in his press conference ahead of United's trip to face Southampton this weekend.
Rather than offering a rebuttal to the 39-year-old's swipe, he has instead suggested that Ronaldo was the one who is claiming that Man Utd aren't good enough to compete for the biggest titles.
He said: "He [Ronaldo] said that Manchester United can’t win the Premier League. He said this if you read the article very well.
"He's far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester. Everyone can have an opinion. It's okay."
Adding: "[It] doesn't impact me, I know in the process where we are, where we're going."
When quizzed on what United's ambitions are later in the press conference, he said: "We will see where we are in May.
"It is very early in the season and it is about winning trophies, being as high as possible in the league, do everything to win every game."
Man Utd fell to an eighth place finish in the league last season, losing 14 games and finishing on a negative goal difference.
However, Ten Hag still managed to win the FA Cup with his squad - securing a second piece of silverware in as many seasons at Old Trafford.
That trophy appeared to bank him more time at the helm of the club after he penned a new deal in the summer following months of speculation about a possible exit.
Ultimately, Ten Hag has outlasted Ronaldo at the Theatre of Dreams.
In fact, Ronaldo lasted less than half a season under the former Ajax boss when he played under him during his return to Man Utd.
The Portuguese powerhouse saw his contract ripped up in November 2022 after he had blasted his then-boss in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
The sour ending to Ronaldo's homecoming allowed the five-time Ballon d'or winner to secure his move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr.
Since making the switch to the Middle East, Ronaldo has scored 62 goals and registered 17 assists in his 68 appearances.
Manchester United have had an underwhelming start to the season under Ten Hag this term.
The Manchester giants have lost two of their opening three Prem clashes and currently sit 14th in the league table.
They were embarrassed 3-0 by rivals Liverpool last time out and will be hoping to bounce back with their trip to the south coast to face Southampton on Saturday.
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