Erik ten Hag’s assessment that Cristiano Ronaldo has not been able to bring it at the highest level since his time at Juventus has sparked a critical reaction from Piers Morgan, exposing deep divisions over the twilight of the forward’s career. Speaking on the ESPN program Goedemorgen Eredivisie, the former Manchester United manager analyzed his short-lived tenure with the Portuguese star in 2022 and pointed to a decline that he argued began years ago.
Ten Hag Assesses the End of Ronaldo’s Peak at Manchester United
The friction between Erik ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo during 2022 ultimately led to the termination of the forward’s contract in November of that year. Under Ten Hag, Ronaldo scored three goals in 16 appearances before his exit. The Dutch coach argued that the demands of the Premier League proved too punishing for a player who could no longer maintain the required physical intensity in training. Ten Hag noted that Ronaldo could no longer summon the grueling daily work rate required to stay fit for elite competition, despite retaining his trademark penalty-box finishing ability.
Erik ten hag said cristiano Ronaldo was done at juventus😀#ronaldo pic.twitter.com/3ta1MT20z0
The manager explained that he held discussions with the forward prior to taking charge at Old Trafford, laying out expected roles and tactical requirements. While many football observers associate the player with an unlimited work ethic that defined his rise, Ten Hag stated that he could no longer muster the necessary drive to push himself to the max on a daily basis. He added that if a player is not fully fit, participation in the Premier League, the Champions League, or the Portuguese national team leaves them completely hopeless.
Real Madrid Exit Parallels and the Juventus Turning Point
Erik ten Hag expanded his critique by comparing Manchester United’s struggles with Ronaldo to Real Madrid’s decision to sell the forward to Juventus in 2018. He praised the Spanish club’s institutional foresight, stating that Madrid possesses a gift for recognizing the exact moment a player’s level begins to dip before the outside world notices. From Ten Hag’s perspective, the downward trajectory of Ronaldo’s performances became evident during his spell in Turin and persisted through his second stint at Old Trafford. He concluded that Ronaldo has been unable to perform at his peak for the past seven or eight years.
Piers Morgan Fires Back With Social Media Criticism
The remarks provoked a swift and aggressive counter-response from journalist Piers Morgan, a prominent confidant of the Portuguese international. Writing on social media, Morgan lambasted Erik ten Hag’s managerial record and playing career in defense of the current Al-Nassr striker.
Squad Hierarchy Versus Individual Stardom
Throughout his television appearance, Erik ten Hag repeatedly emphasized that club authority must always supersede individual pedigree, whether dealing with Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. He revealed that he held direct conversations with the forward prior to taking charge at United, outlining specific tactical expectations and role requirements. When resistance and tension mounted due to benchings and squad omissions, Ten Hag maintained that his decisions were dictated by team performance and physical readiness.
