Erik Ten Hag’s Reflections on Cristiano Ronaldo
Erik Ten Hag, the former head coach of Manchester United, has clarified his view on Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at the club, stating that Ronaldo was never an issue during his tenure. The Portuguese superstar made his return to Manchester United in 2021, but their relationship soured over time, culminating in Ronaldo’s departure by mutual agreement just a year later.
Success at Manchester United
Despite these challenges, Ten Hag’s period at Old Trafford included significant success, as he guided the team to two domestic trophies, namely the Carabao Cup in 2023 and an unexpected FA Cup victory against rivals Manchester City in 2024.
New Beginnings at Bayer Leverkusen
After being dismissed from his role at United in October, following a disappointing start to the 2024-25 season, Ten Hag has since taken the reins at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Following a recent friendly match where Leverkusen lost 2-0 to Chelsea, he remarked:
“For me, Ronaldo was never the problem. I think that’s the past. We had success by winning two trophies while I was at Manchester United. I wish him all the best moving forward.”
Ten Hag emphasized his ambition to replicate his trophy-winning legacy at Leverkusen, stating:
“My focus is not on Manchester United anymore; that’s in the past. I’m excited about the present and the future with Leverkusen. We have a solid club and a promising team, and I am looking forward to improving further.”
Upcoming Challenges
Leverkusen’s new coach faces his first competitive challenge on August 15, when they face SG Sonnenhof in the DFB Pokal, followed by their Bundesliga season opener against TSG Hoffenheim a week later. As Ten Hag settles into his new role, he is committed to continuing the pursuit of silverware, a hallmark of his coaching career.
Manchester United Updates
Additionally, in other Manchester United news, the club is preparing for changes, including a new training complex, while updates circulate regarding potential player transfers involving Dalot and Garnacho. Moreover, some United supporters are gearing up for a protest against Jim Ratcliffe on the opening day of the season.
