Ronaldo vs Ten Hag: Manchester United boss, Erik Ten Hag has recently spoken up about his decision on kicking Cristiano Ronaldo out of the club. Back in November 2022, when Ronaldo gave a very controversial interview with Piers Morgan, it was full of disrespect for his previous club, Manchester United and their officials. Erik Ten Hag had a decision to make after that and he decided to kick out the player, who already was seeing very little playing time by then. Follow Premier League LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Ronaldo vs Ten Hag: Manchester United coach Erik Ten Hag DEFIANT over Cristiano Ronaldo episode, says ‘I sleep well’ after ugly feud, Check OUT
When Erik Ten Hag was recently asked about his decision, he said, “I had my reasons. They were obvious and I also knew the consequences. It could have had a negative outcome. That is always possible in football. But I am not worrying. I sleep well also, even during those nights. I have to take decisions in respect of advancing the club and the team.”
He added, “That is my job and that is the responsibility I have – and I have to stand by those decisions. I have to face the consequences and the impact of my decisions, not only in the short-term but also for the longer-term. Of course, you don’t always have a lot of time. In that period I remember we had 10 days so I could consider which choice would be the best. You always have to think strategically.”
Ronaldo vs Ten Hag: Manchester United coach Erik Ten Hag DEFIANT over Cristiano Ronaldo episode, says ‘I sleep well’ after ugly feud, Check OUT
🎙️| Erik ten Hag on Ronaldo’s departure: “I am not worrying. I sleep well also in those nights. I stand by my decision.” pic.twitter.com/ANKCXg65J8
— Vidhul Sathyan (@vidhmufc) March 5, 2023
Before the infamous interview, Cristiano Ronaldo was mostly spending his time on the bench as United already started making progress under the Dutch boss. Ronaldo’s displeasure was already quite conspicuous at that time. Before Ronaldo joined AL-Nassr after the 2022 World Cup, he only played in 10 out of United’s 16 Premier League matches. Among these, many times he didn’t start the match, but rather came off the bench. Ronaldo already wanted to leave the club during the previous transfer window when he saw United didn’t qualify for the Champions League.
During his interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo gave several comments that were bluntly disrespectful, to say the least. About Ten Hag, he said, “I don’t respect Ten Hag.” There was also no love lost between the club’s previous coach, Ralf Rangnick and him as about the coach, he said, “If you’re not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United? I’d never even heard of him.”
Observing Ronaldo’s body language, United legend, Wayne Rooney once said that it was “not acceptable”. As a response to that, Ronaldo made the peculiar comment, “I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true.” He also said he felt betrayed by senior club officials who wanted to force him out of the club.
After such comments, Erik ten Hag had to make a difficult decision that could cost him in any possible way. However, seeing where the club is now, it can be safely said that his decision paid off positively. Manchester United recently won their first silverware ending their 6-year-long trophy draught after winning the Carabao Cup.
They have reached the Europa League round of 16, FA Cup quarter-finals, and are now sitting comfortably at the 3rd position of the Premier League table with 49 points after playing 24 matches. They have also lost only one game in their last 11 Premier League matches. The only time they lost was against the table-toppers Arsenal which ended with a 3-2 scoreline.
