Ten Hag Criticizes Ronaldo's Fitness During Manchester United Tenure
Former United manager Erik ten Hag said Cristiano Ronaldo was unfit and did not meet training standards, sparking debate over the striker's performance.
Key facts
- Ten Hag said Ronaldo did not reach required heart‑rate during training sessions (S1).
- Ten Hag said Ronaldo withdrew from training and did not play full penalty drills (S1).
- Ten Hag said Ronaldo left United for Saudi Arabia in January 2023 (S1).
- Ten Hag said Ronaldo let the team and himself down (S3).
- Ronaldo was fined 255 euros by the Portuguese FA for leaving the national camp (S3).
Ten Hag said Ronaldo did not reach required heart‑rate during training sessions (S1). Ten Hag said Ronaldo withdrew from training and did not play full penalty drills (S1). Ten Hag said Ronaldo left United for Saudi Arabia in January 2023 (S1).
Ten Hag said Ronaldo let the team and himself down (S3). Ten Hag said Ronaldo did not prepare himself for the team's pressing style (S3). Ten Hag said Ronaldo was not able to run with or without the ball (S3).
Ronaldo was fined 255 euros by the Portuguese Football Federation for leaving the national camp (S3). Ten Hag said Ronaldo had been a top fit player but had to train to reach the required fitness levels (S1).
Ten Hag said he had to make a rational decision and keep players he admired (S1). Ten Hag said he respected Ronaldo but had to prioritize the team's needs (S1). Ten Hag said he had not received a response from Ronaldo to his statements (S1).
Context
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United in 2021 and returned to the club in 2022 under manager Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag was appointed in summer 2022 and left the club in 2024. The debate centers on Ronaldo's fitness and performance during his brief spell.
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