“For me it’s not a problem (Cristiano Ronaldo). He was never the problem. And I think that’s the past. I think it was what happened and after that we won trophies at Manchester United. I wish him all the best for the future,” Erik Ten Hag said, via Beanyman Sports.

Despite Erik’s claims of having no issues with Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese player’s prominence sharply declined with his arrival, who chose to bet on Wout Weghorst in the forward line instead of utilizing Ronaldo as a lone striker. After Cristiano’s departure, Ten Hag’s tenure lasted only a few more years, yielding just two titles—the FA Cup and the League Cup—but falling short of securing the Premier League, ultimately leading to his dismissal.

Cristiano Ronaldo delivers harsh criticism towards Erik ten Hag after leaving Manchester United

Unlike Ten Hag, Cristiano Ronaldo has consistently voiced his criticism of the former Manchester United head coach. In a 2022 interview with Piers Morgan, the Portuguese star bluntly stated, “I don’t have respect for [Ten Hag] because he doesn’t show respect for me. If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never going to have respect for you.”

Cristiano experienced several perplexing situations under Ten Hag’s leadership, such as being benched only to play for 10 minutes or less. He also mentioned that Ten Hag never communicated directly with him about not being in the team’s plans. Nonetheless, his criticism did not stop there as the Portuguese star delivered blunt criticism towards Erik statement about the team competitiveness in Champions League.

“The coach (Erik Ten Hag) says they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League. 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,” Cristiano said in 2024, via Rio Ferdinand Presents.

Currently, Manchester United is 14th in the Premier League table, with a deplorable 3-4-2 record. Erik ten Hag oversaw defeats to Manchester City in the Community Shield, Liverpool, and Tottenham in the Europa League. Not much came from the team so far in the tournament, with draws against FC Porto, Fenerbahçe, and Twente.

According to a statement from Manchester United, former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach while the club decides where to go after the failed experiment that was Ten Hag. According to Give Me Sport, Erik ten Hag will see a substantial package due to his sacking.

How Much Does Manchester United Need to Pay Erik ten Hag for Sacking Him?

In the October 2nd report by Give Me Sport, it was noted that Erik ten Hag would receive in the neighborhood of $22 million due to being fired. The manager signed a new two-year deal amid considerable concern from the supporters.

In his 128 games in charge, Erik ten Hag produced a respectable, yet dubious, 72-36-20 record. Mixed with that high winning percentage were brutal defeats, eliminations, and poor performances.

Erik ten Hag was able to win the FA Cup and EFL Cup with the team but failed to be a contender for the Premier League, and the club has seen a massive drop-off in European competition, now reduced to playing in the Europa League.

While Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United two years ago, his relationship with head coach Erik ten Hag is still making headlines. Former United assistant manager Steve McClaren has now revealed the surprising reason the Portuguese star “fell short” to Ten Hag’s standards.

“I couldn’t fault Ten Hag’s approach,” McClaren told The Telegraph. “He really handled it very well. I said at the time he was the right man to go in. That was shown in the way he handled Ronaldo,” he said.

“He came in with set standards. Set rules. Set way of playing. And if you didn’t run, you didn’t play. He was rigid on that. He knew that was what was needed,” he explained. According to him, Ten Hag “tried to adapt” to Ronaldo, but he then “didn’t feel it was necessary to do that”, and instead “developed other players.”

While Ronaldo left United in 2022 by “mutual consent,” the Portuguese gave an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he claimed that the club forced him out, while also slamming Ten Hag for not respecting him.

However, in a recent conversation with former teammate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo admitted that he “still loves” United, and that he wishes them “the best” despite how he left. “We cannot control things at some point in our life sometimes, but it’s done and already done,” he said.

Ronaldo recently criticized Ten Hag’s approach

The Al Nassr star also shared his thoughts on Ten Hag’s approach as head coach of United, saying that he needed another mentality, saying that the clubs needed “to rebuild” and to “listen” to its former stars.

“[The] Manchester United’s coach can not say they can’t compete to win the Premier League and the Champions League every year. This is Man United!” he claimed. “Listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try. You have to try,” he told Ferdinand on his YouTube channel.

Manchester United’s head coach Erik ten Hag says that “everyone can have an opinion” in response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent comments criticizing him for saying that the Red Devils can’t win the Premier League.

“He 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,” Ten Hag said in a press conference on Thursday, ahead of United’s visit to Southampton for Premier League.

“It doesn’t impact me,” the head coach continued. “We will do our best to win every game. We will see where we are in May. I know in the process where we are and what we have to do, where we are going. I have said before that we are still in a transition period.”

In a conversation with Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo showed his frustration with Ten Hag. “A Manchester United coach can not say they can’t compete to win the Premier League and the Champions League every year. This is Manchester United! You have to be there, 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.”

Ronaldo, who won three Premier League titles and a Champions League with United in his first stint with the team, also suggested that Ten Hag should take advice from legends of the club, including Ferdinand, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, and Sir Alex Ferguson. “You cannot rebuild a club without knowledge,” the Portuguese said.

Ronaldo says he still loves Manchester United

In the conversation with Ferdinand, Ronaldo also referred to his exit from United in 2022. The star said that he “still loves” the club, and that he wishes them “the best” despite leaving the club after a fallout with Ten Hag.

“We cannot control things at some point in our life sometimes, but it’s done and already done,” he said. At that time, Ronaldo left the club, publicly alleging that he was being pushed out by Manchester United.

He also claimed senior executives showed a lack of empathy following the death of his newborn son in April, criticized the Glazer family for not caring about the club, and accused manager Ten Hag of disrespecting him.

When all seemed to indicate that Ten Hag was out as the manager he had had his contract extended for another year. Ten Hag’s extension was not met with good vibes by Manchetser United supporters who felt a change was necessary.

In a recent interview during the club’s preseason tour in Los Angeles, Ten Hag emphasized that the new owners can only demonstrate their support by remaining steadfast both during successful and challenging times. “I feel that we are building something and that the people around me, we are in the same boat,” Ten Hag explained. “But of course, it’s always a proven point when the case is this. What I hope is that we avoid this [a dip in form].”

Erik ten Hag wants commitment from new owners

Ten Hag also urged both the club and the media to manage expectations. “Everyone has to realize this in this club internally but also you [the media] should realize this externally,” he added. “It’s normal that it will not only go this way [up] with young people, young players especially.”

Manchester United will be focusing on creating a core group of players around Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Højlund. Ten Hag stated, “With young players, it will go with ups and downs and we have to realize that,” he said.

At the moment the club’s preseason tour has included victories over Rangers, Arsenal on penalties, Betis and a defeat to Rosenborg. Up next for the Red Devils is a friendly against Liverpool on Saturday evening.

A slow start may force the owners hand much quicker this season but Ten Hag has hopes that his new contract extension is a sign that the club is willing to let him continue his work to take United up the Premier League standings, for now.

However, in one of the biggest upsets of the year, the Red Devils defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Thanks to that result, they got a ticket to the Europa League.

Although Erik ten Hag has won two titles with Manchester United in two seasons, the new team’s ownership might let him go due to the enormous distance compared to contenders such as Manchester City, Arsenal or Liverpool.

Manchester United lose possible replacement for Erik ten Hag

According to a report of Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United won’t be able to sing one of their top candidates to replace Erik ten Hag. That’s why, the Dutch coach still has a chance to remain at Old Trafford.

“Thomas Tuchel NOT planning to take Man United job, he wants to take a break not coaching any club this summer. Tuchel currently decided not to continue in talks with United after meeting in the recent weeks. United, deciding on Erik ten Hag future soon.”

Who will be the next coach of Manchester United?

Erik ten Hag has one year remaining on his contract with Manchester United. Despite that fact, the enormous amount of money required to terminate the agreement may be the reason for keeping him in charge of the team.

Other names that have been mentioned for Manchester United are Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino, and, in a rumor that has gained momentum in recent days, Gareth Southgate.

In their last nine Premier League matches, Manchester United have two victories, four draws and three losses. As a consequence, they won’t play in the Champions League next season.

Right now, the path to secure a berth in European competitions is the FA Cup final on May 25th, but, Manchester City are clear favorites to hoist that trophy at Wembley Stadium.

In a shocking turn of events, Erik ten Hag decided to justify the team’s performances by criticizing one of the greatest symbol of United’s history: Alex Ferguson.

Erik ten Hag takes a shot at Alex Ferguson

After a disappointing performance at Old Trafford against Burnley, Erik ten Hag tried to explain what’s going with Manchester United. However, nobody expected it will be an indirect shot at Alex Ferguson when he was asked if people were right comparing his squad to other teams of the past.

“Oh, absolutely. They are way off the mark. But also the great Manchester United team, we forget they were also built. I have seen I think in 2004-2005 they also didn’t play that great football. They were building, and it takes time, but everyone forgets, even the players who were by that time in the team, they forget they were struggling and that they needed time to progress.”

Manchester United in the 2004-2005 season

Manchester United couldn’t win any trophy during that 2004-2005 season with Sir Alex Ferguson. They finished in third place of the Premier League with 77 points behind Chelsea and Arsenal.

In the Champions League, Manchester United were eliminated by AC Milan in the Round of 16 and, in the FA Cup final, they lost in a thrilling penalty shootout against Arsenal.

The Red Devils had a comfortable 3-0 advantage thanks to goals by Scott McTominay (23′), Harry Maguire (45+1′) and Bruno Fernandes (58′). Then, chaos unfolded.

The Sky Blues stormed back with a goal by Ellis Simms (71′) and a lucky shot by Callum O’Hare (79′). They just kept pushing during the final minutes of the game trying to perform a miracle. An EFL Championship club sending home a Premier League powerhouse.

In the end, Coventry City got their reward with a penalty kick in stoppage time after a handball by Wan-Bissaka. Haji Wright converted (90+5′) to send the game to extra time. However, their dream ended in a thrilling penalty shootout.

When will FA Cup final be played between Manchester City and Manchester United?

The scenario in Wembley was totally unexpected as this was the first time Manchester United had blown a three-goal lead since May of 2013. That was the last game of Alex Ferguson as coach. Now, the Red Devils will face Manchester City in the final on May 25th.

This was the first time in FA Cup history in which a team managed to overturn a three-goal deficit in the semifinals or final of the tournament. Just amazing.

Now, the situation just got more complicated. Newcastle have already surpassed Manchester United to take sixth place, while the gap to the fifth position (Tottenham) is ten points with six games remaining. A very difficult scenario to overcome.

Hence, the only option to reach the Europa League will be through the FA Cup, where they will face Coventry City in the semifinals. However, it’s a fact that the Champions League is out of any possibility.

Another point to consider is that the freefall for Erik ten Hag could worsen because there are still matches against very tough opponents like Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton on the schedule.

Video: Erik ten Hag leaves press conference

In the face of the crisis Manchester United are going through, a reporter pointed out to Erik ten Hag that if the team falls beyond seventh place, then it would confirm the worst finish in the team’s history in the Premier League.

At that moment, the coach stood up from his chair and left the press room, leaving the following message: “I don’t comment or take that question. That is not important for this moment.”

Previously, Erik ten Hag had mentioned that he had complete confidence in his team for a strong finish to the season. “We have a team that is resilient and has character. We want to win. Twice we fought back from losing position. You see with every opponent there is that desire to beat us. Every match they went to their limits. We have to show resistance, control it, dominate it.”

The first semester of the season is a disaster for Manchester United. They were eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League and couldn’t even clinch a berth to go to the Europa League.

Now, after their 2-1 loss at City Ground, Erik ten Hag’s team are in seventh place of the Premier League and could be surpassed in the next few days by Brighton and Newcastle. Right now, Manchester United are 11 points behind Liverpool in the title race. Seems like game over.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have been revamped by the arrival of coach Nuno Espirito Santo and all his previous experience with Wolverhampton, Porto and Tottenham. Two consecutive victories finally got them out of relegation zone.

Erik ten Hag is on the hot seat with Manchester United

This seems to be the topic of the last months, but, someway and somehow, Erik ten Hag gets a win which gives him some breathing room. In this case, it was the victory against Aston Villa.

Nevertheless, that only lasts a few days as the unexpected losses keep coming. As a consequence, the 2023-2024 season could finish without titles and even worse: no ticket for European competitions.

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United: Highlights and Goals

In one of the best games of the day, Nottingham Forest took the lead with a goal by Nicolas Dominguez (64′). However, a big mistake by goalkeeper Matt Turner opened the door for Marcus Rashford (78′).

Then, in a tremendous shot, Morgan Gibbs-White scored the 2-1 (82′) and gave Nottingham Forest their first win at home over Manchester United since March of 1992.

It’s one of the worst moments in recent history for the club. Just a few days ago, they were eliminated in the Champions League group stage and couldn’t even clinch a berth for the Europa League.

Ten Hag was supposed to lead a revolution with a roster full of stars such as Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes. However, the downfall has been massive.

Manchester United have one win in their last seven games in all competitions. As a consequence, Erik ten Hag is on the hot seat, but, according to the coach, patience will save the season.

Erik ten Hag’s surprising message after loss against West Ham

For several weeks now, every press conference by Erik ten Hag has been eagerly awaited to find out if there is any indication about his future. However, it seems that the club is not going to dismiss him to avoid paying his release clause, and as a result, the coach has no plans to resign.

“At Man United, everybody has to take responsibility. We have to be calm, stick together and stick to the plan. We have to do it together. In 2023, we won a cup and we did very well. Now, we are underperforming. We have many injuries. So, the team will be better.”

Even with terrible performances in the last few games, Erik ten Hag has full confidence in his players and guarantees a turnaorund is possible in the near future.

“We have issues. We have many setbacks, many injuries. The players on the pitch are good enough to win the game. They’re capable. I know they can score a goal. We have scoring abilities in our squad. So, in this moment, we are not doing t We have to stick toghether and they have to believe in themselves. Everyone has to be accountable and take responsibility.”

How long is the contract of Erik ten Hag with Manchester United?

Erik ten Hag is under contract with Manchester United until the summer of 2025. The big problem for the team’s front office is that if they want to sack him, the coach has to receive almost $19 million to leave.

He is one of the top paid coaches in the world with an annual salary of $11.2 million. He was supposed to produce a transformation at Manchester United after developing a great young squad with Ajax.

Who might replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United?

According to a report released last week by Relevo, Julen Lopetegui has emerged as a strong candidate to replace Erik ten Hag. The Spanish coach’s recent stint in the Premier League was impressive, successfully steering Wolverhampton away from relegation.

Furthermore, the formula of Spanish coaches seems to lead to success in the United Kingdom. Unai Emery has been a revelation with Aston Villa, Pep Guardiola turned Manchester City into a powerhouse, and Mikel Arteta has been sensational with Arsenal.

In recent weeks, other names that have been rumored for Manchester United include Zinedine Zidane, Roberto De Zerbi and Graham Potter.