Ronaldo had returned to United in August 2021 on a two-year deal from Juventus, the club with whom he won eight major trophies from 2003 to 2009. In excerpts of an interview for British broadcaster TalkTV published on Sunday, when asked if they were trying to oust him from the club, he replied: “Yeah, not just the manager, but two or three other guys at the club Association. And not only this year, but also last year. I felt betrayed.”
Because Ronaldo, who was rarely used by ten Hag in the Premier League, had gone into the dressing room early as a substitute in the game against Tottenham at the end of October, he was not in the squad for the next match against Chelsea. After a discussion with the coach, however, he returned to the Europa League and scored in the finish there.
Now the 37-year-old, who will captain Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar, said of ten Hag: “I have no respect for him because he shows no respect for me. I will never have respect for anyone who doesn’t respect me.” His anger also hit his ex-United team-mate Wayne Rooney, who was around eight months his junior, and who had often been skeptical about the Portuguese’s performances. “I don’t know why he criticizes me like that. Maybe because he’s already retired and I’m still playing at a high level. And I’m not saying I’m better looking than him. What’s true,” Ronaldo etched.
“The fans should know the truth”
Ronaldo also stated United did not support him when his daughter was hospitalized in July. He said the club distrusted him and lacked empathy when he failed to show up for pre-season training on time. “I think the fans should know the truth,” Ronaldo said.
But the Portuguese didn’t hide his displeasure with his club’s decisions when it came to sport either: “I want the best for the club. That’s why I came to Manchester United,” he said. “But there are some internals that don’t help (us, n.d.) to reach a top level like (city rivals Manchester, n.d.) City, Liverpool and even now Arsenal (…) a club of this magnitude should in my opinion at the Stand at the top, and unfortunately he doesn’t.”
Rangnick “is not even a coach”
Ronaldo’s judgment of ÖFB team boss Ralf Rangnick, whom United brought in last season as a short-term successor to coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a former teammate of the Portuguese, was also unflattering. Rangnick, in turn, was replaced by ten Hag after a few months.
“After the club sacked Ole, they bring in Ralf Rangnick, which no one understands,” Ronaldo said. “This guy isn’t even a coach. A big club like Manchester United brings a sporting director who surprises not only me but the whole world.” In fact, the German has a coaching license and has been working for a wide variety of clubs for many years. His last engagement as a coach before moving to Manchester United was with RB Leipzig in the 2018/19 season. Under the ÖFB team boss, Ronaldo was mostly part of the permanent staff. Since ten Hag took office, however, he has only been a second choice.
United are waiting for the consequences
According to these statements, his time with the “Red Devils” should probably be over soon. Ronaldo did not talk about a possible new club – at least for the time being. The full interview will be published in two parts, each 45 minutes long, the first on Wednesday evening and the second the following day. Ronaldo will be in Qatar at the World Cup by then.
Manchester United issued a brief statement on the matter on Monday. One is aware of the media attention to the interview and will decide how the club will react as soon as the situation has been fully clarified. “Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and capturing the momentum, faith and sense of togetherness that is emerging among the players, managers, staff and fans,” said Man United.
