Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has attributed Cristiano Ronaldo’s struggles at Old Trafford to the forward’s declining physical condition and inability to meet the demands of his preferred style of play.
The Dutchman, who managed United between 2022 and 2024, said Ronaldo, despite his status as one of football’s greatest players, could no longer deliver the physical intensity required to compete at the highest level.
Ten Hag made the remarks during an interview with ESPN NL on Sunday, reflecting on his controversial relationship with the Portuguese superstar during his time at the Premier League club.
“In my opinion, Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly a fantastic player and one of the greatest players of all time,” he said.
“But the truth is that, over the last seven or eight years, he has no longer been capable of performing at that level.”
The former Ajax manager argued that physical fitness remained non-negotiable in modern football, particularly in competitions such as the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
He maintained that players who could not sustain the required fitness levels would struggle to succeed, regardless of their reputation or individual achievements.
“It’s simple: if you’re not in peak physical condition, whether in the Premier League, the Champions League, or with the Portuguese national team, you simply have no chance of succeeding,” Ten Hag said.
Recalling his first conversation with Ronaldo after taking charge of Manchester United in 2022, Ten Hag said he had explained the tactical approach he intended to introduce at the club.
He said the system required players to work intensely, press opponents and maintain high physical standards throughout matches.
“When I started the job at Man United, I explained to Cristiano Ronaldo the style of play we intended to adopt,” he said.
However, Ten Hag insisted that understanding the team’s philosophy was not enough, adding that Ronaldo had to demonstrate the physical commitment needed to execute it.
“But ultimately, you have to bring something to the table yourself, and he no longer had the ability to endure the hard work required,” he added.
The Dutchman said his expectations extended beyond match days, stressing that players were required to push themselves during training and maintain maximum fitness.
“That means pushing himself to his absolute limits every day, training at maximum intensity, and maintaining peak physical fitness,” he said.
Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United ended controversially in November 2022, when he left the club by mutual agreement following a explosive interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan.
During the interview, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner openly criticised the club’s leadership and revealed his strained relationship with Ten Hag.
His departure brought an abrupt end to a difficult period in which his role in the team became increasingly uncertain.
Despite the disagreement over his position and Ten Hag’s tactical demands, Ronaldo remains one of football’s most decorated players, having won multiple domestic league titles, five Champions League trophies and five Ballon d’Or awards.
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