Ten Hag insists Ronaldo 'was never the problem' at Man Utd
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has downplayed the idea that Cristiano Ronaldo's high-profile departure was the root of the club's problems.
Speaking in a press conference, the former Manchester United manager sought to reframe the narrative around Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, portraying it as part of the club's past rather than a lingering issue.
Ronaldo's exit in late 2022 came after a highly publicised fallout, including the striker's outspoken criticism of the club's direction in an interview that strained his relationship with both management and teammates.
At the time, the rift appeared irreparable, with the mutual decision to part ways seen as inevitable. Now, reflecting from afar, Ten Hag struck a more conciliatory tone, pointing to United's subsequent success as evidence that the team had moved forward constructively.
"It's the past," he said, noting that the club has since lifted two trophies — a signal, he suggested, of progress rather than discord.
By softening his stance on Ronaldo, Ten Hag appears keen to recast the narrative of a turbulent era, shifting the focus from personal disputes to the broader story of the team's evolution.