Ronaldo-Ten Hag Rift: McClaren Reveals Pressing Demands Sparked Fallout

The acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United in November 2022 stemmed from a fundamental disagreement with manager Erik ten Hag over tactical approach, specifically the Portuguese star’s role in pressing, according to former Manchester United coach Steve McClaren.

The Core of the Conflict

McClaren, who served as Ten Hag’s assistant during his tenure at United, detailed the friction between the two personalities on The Great, The Bad and The Football podcast. The central issue revolved around Ten Hag’s insistence that Ronaldo actively participate in pressing high up the pitch – a non-negotiable aspect of the Dutch manager’s tactical system.

“Ronnie, This Is Your Job”

McClaren explained that Ten Hag repeatedly emphasized Ronaldo’s responsibility in the team’s pressing scheme. “There was a lot of battles on that training field. There was a lot of ‘all I wish you to do is this, this, this and this.’ That was Erik’s coaching – Ronnie this is your job,” McClaren recounted. He further clarified that Ten Hag expected Ronaldo to “be the first press, produce one run, make two runs, and maybe make a third one, if you feel like it.”

A Standoff and Uncompromising Approach

McClaren described the situation as a “standoff,” with Ten Hag firmly adhering to his principles. “If you can’t do that, you won’t be playing, he won’t pick you,” McClaren stated, highlighting Ten Hag’s unwavering stance. He acknowledged that other managers might have accommodated Ronaldo’s reluctance to fully embrace the pressing demands, but Ten Hag refused to compromise.

Ronaldo’s Public Criticism and Departure

The disagreement ultimately contributed to Ronaldo’s public criticism of Ten Hag and the club, culminating in an explosive, unauthorized interview with Piers Morgan. Ronaldo voiced his lack of respect for Ten Hag, stating that it stemmed from a perceived lack of reciprocation. Following the interview, Manchester United and Ronaldo reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract, paving the way for his move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

McClaren’s Assessment

McClaren believes that Ten Hag’s firm approach, even as leading to Ronaldo’s departure, was ultimately justified. He noted that Ronaldo remained professional despite the conflict and that the situation unfolded in a way that allowed both parties to move forward.

Key Takeaways

• The primary source of conflict between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag was Ronaldo’s resistance to actively pressing high up the pitch.
• Erik ten Hag was uncompromising in his demand that Ronaldo fulfill this tactical role.
• The disagreement contributed to Ronaldo’s public criticism of the club and his eventual departure.
• Steve McClaren believes Ten Hag’s approach was justified, despite the outcome.