Cristiano Ronaldo maintained strict routines during his second stint at Manchester United, arriving at the club’s gym up to an hour and a half before training sessions and carrying his own specialized water, according to former teammate Fred. Speaking on the Charla Podcast, the Brazilian midfielder detailed the forward’s demanding standards and unwavering personal discipline inside the Old Trafford dressing room.
Fred Details Cristiano Ronaldo’s Strict Training Routine at Manchester United
During their time together under the Red Devils, Fred observed that the Portuguese star’s daily preparation operated on an entirely different level from the rest of the squad. The midfielder recounted arriving significantly early for training only to find the five-time Ballon d’Or winner already working out, and departing long after the forward had finished his exercises.
I would leave and he was still there.
I told myself: My God, this guy is really on another level.
He is a phenomenon in every sense of the word.
He is very professional.
That work ethic reshaped how other players viewed daily preparation, according to the midfielder. Fred explained that the forward possessed a powerful mentality that influenced teammates simply by showing them how hard he labored behind closed doors.
Forward Insists on Drinking Water from the Himalayas
The forward’s uncompromising approach extended beyond physical training into meticulous personal habits. Fred shared a specific anecdote regarding the player’s dietary routines, noting that the veteran insisted on bringing his own drinking water to the club’s facilities.
According to the accounts, the player carried water he claimed originated from the Himalayas. When stadium or training ground security restricted outside liquids, the situation caused considerable tension before the forward ultimately discarded the water. DAZN reported that Fred described him as very correct and demanding, emphasizing that you couldn’t contradict him; everything had to be his way.
Contrasting Locker Room Dynamics Under Erik ten Hag
The revelations regarding the dressing room climate surfaced alongside broader criticisms of former manager Erik ten Hag by the Brazilian midfielder, as reported by Olé. Fred characterized the Dutch coach’s tactical acumen positively while condemning his interpersonal management, describing the relationship between the manager and several senior players as deeply strained.
The midfielder stated that Ten Hag frequently argued with key figures in the squad, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, and Fred himself, while favoring Dutch players. That friction ultimately contributed to the explosive exit of the Portuguese forward following an interview with Piers Morgan during a turbulent week of confusion at the club.
Despite the later years’ friction and the natural impacts of aging, Fred maintained deep respect for the forward’s on-field abilities. When he plays, he is a beast,
Fred concluded, highlighting that when the veteran has the ball at his feet to finish an opportunity, uncertainty vanishes entirely.
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